§ 73. Captain Peter Macdonaldasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air what steps were taken by the Air Ministry before placing the contract for Imperial Airways, Limited, motor-boats with the Power Boat Company to ascertain how the price and performance of the boats compared with others which could be supplied by other firms; whether tenders were called for; and, if not, for what reason?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Lieut.-Colonel Muirhead)The order for motor launches which was placed with the Power Boat Company was approved after recourse to the normal contract practice of competitive tender. The tenders submitted were carefully considered in the light of all relevant factors, including price, performance and delivery dates.
§ Captain MacdonaldIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that firms which were established for many years before the Power Boat Company came into existence were not consulted or allowed to tender for this contract?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThe tender list was drawn up in consultation between Imperial Airways and the Air Ministry and 10 firms were invited to tender.
§ Captain MacdonaldIs it not a fact that there are many more than 10 firms which have been building motor boats for the Government? Are there not several firms which have been on the Admiralty and Air Force list for a great many years which were not consulted?
§ Lieut.-Colonel MuirheadThat may be so, I could not say whether it is so offhand, but I think 10 firms is a pretty fair number to ask to tender.