§ 77. Mr. Leonardasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, as a means towards equalising the opportunities of all tenderers for Government contracts, he will consider recommending the various Departments, as far as is practicable, to accept delivery at the factory or the nearest appropriate Government depot, and so remove the unfair incidence of transport charges?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleI am advised that, while the method suggested is in use in certain circumstances, its universal adoption would not be a satisfactory business arrangement, and would also involve increased expenditure.
§ Mr. LeonardWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman investigate this matter, in view of the heavy incidence of these transport charges, especially to Scottish firms?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ColvilleI can assure the hon. Gentleman that the question does receive consideration.
§ 88. Mr. Leonardasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the number of contracts placed by his Department in 1936 for furniture; the sum involved; and how many manufacturers in Scotland received forms of tender?
§ Commander SouthbyApproximately 1,600 contracts were placed involving a total expenditure of approximately £577,000. It is not possible, without an undue amount of Labour, to state the number of manufacturers in Scotland who received forms of tender. As a general rule contracts over £500 in value are advertised in the public Press.
§ Mr. LeonardWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman draw the attention of the First Commissioner to the fact that there are 3o firms in Scotland capable of performing Government work, and that only two are on the list of the Department?
§ Commander SouthbyThe hon. Member can rest assured that the Department is always prepared to consider applications from firms which desire to be placed on the approved list.
§ 89. Mr. Leonardasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of 1340 Health, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether it is the practice of his Department when asking for tenders for the supply of furniture to submit designs with the tender forms or present for view a sample; and whether, if the latter course is pursued, manufacturers must come to London to view the sample?
§ Commander SouthbyIt is the standard practice of my Noble Friend's Department to issue full drawings and specifications when inviting tenders for furniture. In very exceptional cases a sample may be shown in London: in such cases, only a single sample is as a rule available.
§ Mr. LeonardDoes the hon. and gallant Member appreciate that there have been complaints of designs not being available sufficiently and in good time; and in the case of samples being submitted will the First Commissioner take steps to see that they are available in Glasgow and Edinburgh and not only in London?
§ Commander SouthbyThe only case in which samples were shown was that of Coronation chairs and stools.