§ 12. Mr. HANNONasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the increasing practice of local government bodies stipulating in their schedules or contracts a particular make or brand of certain articles and whether, in view of the direction of the Ministry of Health in Appendix VI of its Annual Report for the year 1931–32, which states that it is undesirable that particular makes of goods or fittings or proprietary designs should be specified, and specifications should be drafted to permit of supplies being obtained through competitive agencies, any further action can be taken to secure compliance with the directions laid down by the Ministry?
Sir H. YOUNGIt is the practice in cases where my sanction is required to a loan to require open tenders and, where the matter comes before me, to object so far as practicable to the specification of proprietary articles, unless there are special reasons to the contrary. Contracts for ordinary supplies which are paid for out of revenue are not subject to my approval. I am not aware that the practice of asking for particular articles is increasing, but I propose to call atten to the matter again in my forthcoming Annual Report.
§ Mr. HANNONIf particular cases are brought to the notice of my right hon. Friend, will he look into them?