HC Deb 15 March 1915 vol 70 cc1771-2W
Mr. MacVEAGH

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the contracts being placed in Canada and the United States are being placed by special agents, and if so, what is their commercial experience; whether the remuneration is by salary or commission, and, if so, how much; and whether the co-operation of the Canadian Government has been invited?

Mr. BAKER

Messrs. J. P. Morgan and Company, of New York, who are in close touch with all the American markets, have been appointed commercial agents to the Government for the purpose of placing orders in the United States. Their remuneration is by commission, but it is not considered to be in the public interest to give the details of the contract. No special agents have been appointed for purchasing in Canada. Close touch has been maintained with the Canadian Government in regard to orders placed in that country.