§ 8. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Secretary of State for War whether his Department now makes all contracts with manufacturers direct instead of through merchants as formerly, and whether, as the price is the same and acredited merchants have facilities for prompt and better delivery owing to the wide range of their business, he will resume the former practice, if necessary, stipulating that orders shall be placed as far as practicable in distressed areas?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThere has been no change in the Department's policy, which is to buy on the most economical terms, and, generally speaking, it has been found that these are obtained by dealing direct with manufacturers. Other things being equal, preference is given to goods manufactured in distressed areas, and this policy can be controlled more effectively by purchasing direct from the makers than by placing orders through agents.
§ Sir P. HurdIs my right hon. Friend aware that that is not the general trade experience, and why should the experience of the War Office be different?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaMy hon. Friend suggests that there has been some change in policy, but the tenor of my answer is that there has been none whatever.
§ Sir P. HurdNot in policy, but in practice?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaNo, Sir.