§ Mr. HERBERT CRAIGasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the names of the principal firms between whom the orders for auxiliary machinery have been distributed since 1st January, 1908, together with the total value of such orders in each case?
710W
§ Mr. McKENNAThe preparation of such a return involves a very considerable amount of labour, which cannot be provided at the present time without great inconvenience to the public service. It would, further, be undesirable to quote the prices.
§ Mr. HERBERT CRAIGasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in the allotment of orders for auxiliary machinery amongst firms of accepted standing, any preference is given to the firm making the cheapest tender; and whether any regard is paid to the equal distribution of such orders among the different districts from which tenders are invited?
§ Mr. McKENNAPreference is given to the lowest tender, unless there are cogent reasons in the public interest for taking a different course. The Admiralty make such endeavours as are consistent with our duty to distribute the orders among the various shipbuilding districts.