§ 25. Mr. Burkeasked the Minister of Aircraft Production why Messrs. Phillips of Blackburn are permitted to place contracts on behalf of his Ministry; and why a contract for over £1,200 for work in Bolton was given to a Salford firm when a local firm, under the same specifications, tendered for £830 and had local labour available.
§ The Minister of Aircraft Production (Sir Stafford Cripps)The company, who are contractors to my Department, are authorised to occupy and use requisitioned premises, and it is the practice to permit occupiers to place, on my behalf, contracts for approved adaptations to premises. The company were authorised to accept the lowest of three tenders submitted by them; the price was not £1,200, but slightly in excess of £1,000. The statement that a lower tender was sent to the company is under investigation, and I will communicate with the hon. Member when it is concluded.
§ Mr. BurkeIs the Minister aware that the company which quoted the lower tender have been told that they could not have the contract, because they were too dear?
§ Sir S. CrippsI am not aware of that; the inquiry is now being made.