§ 49. Mr. HORE-BELISHAasked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the three fighting services are very large purchasers, if not always of the same articles, at any rate very often in the same markets, he will consider the establishment of one contracts branch for all three services, in order that closer co-operation and economy may be effected?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I explained on the 27th March, there is already the closest co-operation between the contract departments of the Fighting Services, the Post Office and the Office of Works, and the Treasury; and, having regard to the report of the Committee on the Amalgamation of Services common to the Navy, Army and Air Force, the establishment of a central contracts department is not considered advisable.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWill the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the cooperation could not be closer and more advantageous?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROh, we have been working towards that both in that and other directions for the last three years.