§ 11. Mr. Donnellyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty the basis on which the contract is let for collection of pig swill from Brawdy Royal Naval Air Station.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasThree offers, each at the current maximum price, were received: one from a full-time pig farmer, one from a dairy farmer, and one from a part-time pig farmer holding a similar contract elsewhere. It was decided to award the contract to the full-time pig farmer.
§ Mr. DonnellyIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a part-time pig farmer has been receiving their Lordships' swill over a considerable period of time and that the contract was terminated quite suddenly? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable feeling in the district about this and some belief in the district that this is partly due to local politics? Is this a case of swill for the boys?
§ Mr. ThomasI can assure the hon. Gentleman that it is nothing of the sort. The part-time pig owner, Mr. Martin, did not hold a contract, and he was warned that as soon as the quantity of their Lordships' swill increased a formal contract would have to be made. The present contract expires on 30th June, 1953, and it is intended to issue fresh invitations to tender to all interested parties.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonCan the Minister explain to the House how these farmers conduct their operations in respect of part-time pigs, as apparently they do according to the statement.
§ Mr. ThomasThe hon. and gallant Gentleman must inquire from his hon. Friend who asked the Question and who has the local knowledge.