§ 51. Mr. Barnesasked the Minister of Supply the total value of the contracts awarded to a company manufacturing barbed wire, of which he has been informed, together with the contract price per coil; whether this company sub-let the contract to another company of wire manufacturers; and whether the sub-contractors demanded, and obtained, from his Department a guarantee that payment would be forthcoming?
§ Sir A. DuncanIt would be contrary to established practice to disclose the information asked for in the first part of the Question. As regards the second and third parts of the Question, no portion of the contract let to the firm which the hon. Member has in mind has been sublet. The firm purchases the wire required, and the Department, at the request of the suppliers, has given an assurance as to payment for wire supplied for the purpose of the contract.
§ Mr. BarnesCan the Minister say whether this was a very large contract; if so, why was not the contract given direct to the producing firm, and also is an inquiry taking place with regard to this contract by his Department?
§ Sir A. DuncanI am afraid I cannot add to the answer.