§ Mr. GLANVILLEasked the Minister of Munitions whether on or about 23rd February several hundreds of thousands 2266W of ounces of quinine were sold to Messrs. John Bell, Hills, and Lucas by the Ministry; what was the exact quantity of quinine in question; what was the sum of money realised; the names of other firms which tendered and the sums offered by them for this quinine; whether an 2267W official charged with the disposal of this quinine was in the employ of Messrs. John Bell, Hills, and Lucas before being given an official position; and whether he resumed his connection with that firm immediately after the sale of the quinine referred to?
Mr. HOPEA considerable quantity of compressed tablets of quinine was recently sold by the Disposal Board to Messrs. John Bell and Croyden, Limited. The quantity of quinine salts contained therein amounted to approximately 270,000 ounces. Fifty-six invitations for tender were issued, and amongst those who offered were Messrs. Whiffen, Messrs. Howards, and Messrs. T. and H. Smith, Limited. The price paid was slightly in excess of the valuation made by the expert advisers of the Department, and was substantially larger than the next highest offer received. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the negative. The official responsible for the disposal of these tablets is a Civil Servant of many years' standing, and he is still in the service of the Disposal Board.