§ 25. Mrs. Hardieasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in requesting five firms to tender for a small ventilating fan, for a hut he has been advised about, and costing less than £10, each firm received Army forms totalling 21 folio sheets and six smaller documents for completion and guidance; and will he take steps to stop this waste of paper and the time of firms on his lists?
§ Sir E. GriggI am informed that the documents used consisted only of the usual forms, such as tender forms, conditions of contract, and specifications. The firms are asked to fill in three of these forms; the rest contain information on conditions of contract and the details of what is required. The latter are all returnable, and are issued over and over again.
§ Mrs. HardieIs the Minister aware that this is only one of several complaints which Members have received about the wasteful methods adopted by his Department?
§ Sir E. GriggI do not think I can accept that. Only a minimum of forms have to be filled in. The rest are sent for information, and are used again and again.
§ Sir Herbert WilliamsIf the hon. Gentleman goes to the Army and Navy Stores for something, has he to fill in 21 pieces of paper?