§ 24. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that excessive prices are being paid for materials required in the construction of Militia camps at Devizes, Perham Downs and Bulford; that stoneware pipes are 164 being put in at 9s. 7d. per yard instead of concrete pipes at 6s., and that bricks are being invoiced at 70s. per 1,000 whereas they should cost 52s. 6d. per 1,000; and what steps he will take to stop this waste of public money?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI am informed that concrete pipes are not manufactured under 9 inch diameter, whereas by far the greatest portion of the drainage system in barracks and camps consists of 4 inch and 6 inch pipes. Further, concrete pipes are not absolutely impermeable, and the medical authorities prefer earthenware. No source of supply of bricks at 52s. 6d. a thousand delivered at site is known to the War Department or their contractors, and I should be grateful to the hon. Member if he will give me information of such a source.
§ Mr. StokesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the standard price for bricks of this quality is 44s. 6d. per 1,000, and is he aware that since this information came into my hands the resident engineer at the camp has been suspended for passing the information on to me?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI am reluctant to accept either of those statements. If the object of the hon. Member is to assist the Government to get the best possible terms, perhaps he will send me the information so that I can deal with it.
§ Mr. StokesIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that on frequent occasions I have endeavoured to assist the Government, but that I have received no response whatever, and that the Government have shown no interest whatever in suggestions of manufacture without profit?