§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in making contracts for engineering machinery at Bishopton factory, the lowest tenders are always accepted; whether the cost of transport from the engineering works to the factory is borne by the contractor or by his Department; whether, in making the contract, consideration is always given to the cost of repair and maintenance; how many such contracts have gone to engineering firms in the neighbourhood of Bishopton; and whether, in view of the depressed condition of these works, he will consider giving preference to local firms in future engineering contracts for the Bishopton factory?
§ Sir P. SassoonIt is the practice in my Department to accept the lowest satisfactory tender for any contract. Tenderers for plant for ordnance factories are usually asked to quote prices which include the cost of delivery to the site. The cost of maintenance is taken into account in assessing the relative values of products1576W offered in cases where it is not possible to frame an exact specification. Of the 66 most important contracts for engineering equipment for the Bishopton factory, 10 have been awarded to firms hi the neighbourhood and three to other Scottish firms. It is the policy of my Department to give preference, other considerations being equal, to firms in the Special Areas.