HC Deb 25 April 1950 vol 474 cc86-7W
83. Sir H. Williams

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the special register service of information of his Department circulated, on 17th April, particulars of requirements of the Greek Ministry of Public Works, where in nearly every case the tenders had to be received in Athens on dates prior to 17th April in most cases, and in the latest case, on 22nd April; when the commercial department of the Embassy in Athens. forwarded the particulars to his Department; and what date they were received.

Mr. Bottomley

I regret that the handling of these calls for tender was not satisfactory. The documents were sent from Athens on 10th March and were received in London on 21st. Unfortunately, the time taken to produce the notification for issue was unduly prolonged. This delay having occurred, the written notification should not have been issued. The normal procedure where there is insufficient time for written notification is to telephone interested organisations and manufacturers.