53. Chetwyndasked the Secretary of State for War what tenders he received for bulk supplies in the United Kingdom, during 1951–52, of motor spirit; how far these prices were competitive; what was the quantity and cost of motor spirit supplied; and what action is he taking to ensure competitive tenders in future.
§ Mr. J. R. H. HutchisonIn this period some 64,000 tons of the standard motor spirit M.T. 70 was obtained for the Army's day-to-day needs. It is not the practice to publish information about prices in the Department's contracts, but my right hon. Friend the Minister of Fuel and Power determines the maximum price for motor spirit and the tenders received were all within that maximum price. For future supplles tenders will continue to be invited from as wide a field as possible.