§ Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that his Department is only prepared to place contracts for biscuits with large suppliers; and whether he will give directions that small firms, such as Messrs. R. M. Scott (Ipswich), Limited, capable of delivering up to five tons per week, should be given fair consideration?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe War Office places contracts for biscuits with any firm, large or small, which can produce a satisfactory biscuit to the specification, at a competitive price, in a factory declared suitable by the Department's inspector. The firm of Messrs. R. M. Scott (Ipswich) is one of 104 firms which have been invited to tender for Army biscuits since the war began. A tender was issued to this firm in September and again in October, but on neither occasion was the tender returned by the firm.