§ 12. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Works if he has inquired into the statement, details of which have been sent to him, that his Department gave an option on 200,000 stirrup pumps to a London firm at 1s. 3d. each, the rubber hose of two being advertised as worth 63s., though offered as a bargain at 21s. 6d.; why such an option was granted; and if he is satisfied that the proper procedure has been observed.
§ Mr. KeyThe answer to the first and third parts of the Question is "Yes." In regard to the second part, it had only been possible, despite prolonged efforts, to sell at low prices a comparatively small number of pumps and some 200,000 were about to be scrapped when the offer referred to was received and accepted. As part of the transaction the purchasers had an option to buy a further 200,000 pumps on the same terms, but the option was not exercised.