§ Mr. JEPHCOTTasked the Postmaster-General whether he has placed a contract for new bicycles with a Birmingham firm at a cost of £50,000; and, if so, whether he made any attempt to obtain the transfer from the Secretary of State for War of the surplus stock, or portion of such surplus stock, of bicycles now in possession of the War Office?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHSuch contracts have recently been placed with Birmingham firms. On a previous occasion, 1,650 new bicycles were obtained from the War Office; and before tenders were invited for a further supply, enquiries were made as to the possibiliity of the requirement again being met by that Department. It appeared that no more new 707W bicycles were available, but that a number of second-hand machines could be supplied if arrangements could be made to effect the necessary repairs. It was, however, found impossible to arrange for the repairs, and there was, accordingly, no alternative but to purchase new bicycles direct from the manufacturers.