HC Deb 10 March 1937 vol 321 cc1159-60
97. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the contracts for gas masks and shell cases placed with Messrs. Huntley, Boorne and Stevens, Limited, a subsidiary of Messrs. Huntley and Palmer, biscuit manufacturers, were given after the receipt of competitive tenders; and whether the firm had any previous experience in the manufacture of gas masks and shell cases?

Sir V. Warrender

No contracts for gas masks have been placed with Messrs. Huntley, Boorne and Stevens, Limited. Contracts were placed with the firm during 1936 for various metal components of gas masks after the receipt of competitive tenders. The firm had had previous experience of the manufacture of these articles. It is presumed that by "shell cases" the hon. Member refers to ammunition containers. The order placed in June, 1936, with Messrs. Huntley, Boorne and Stevens, Limited, for 2-pr. ammunition containers was the first Army contract for this article and was placed after the receipt of competitive tenders.

A subsequent order, again after competition, was given to the firm in November, 1936.

Mr. Garro Jones

Were the tenders of this firm in each case the lowest tenders, and if not, on what grounds were they given preference?

Sir V. Warrender

I think I am right in saying that they were the lowest tenders, but perhaps the hon. Member will put that question on the Paper.