asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that at the dockyard, Woolwich, pattern room, cutting pliers of Swedish make are offered as samples for tender; and will he see that none but British manufactured goods are exhibited or purchased by his Department?

The cutting pliers of Swedish make were selected as the most suitable example to guide manufacturers. It is stated in the specification that the pattern may be regarded as typical only and need not be copied in all details. The only orders placed have been for British manufactured articles, and I have no reason to anticipate that it will be necessary to accept foreign manufactured supplies in the future. As soon as articles of British manufacture suitable as patterns are received, they will be substituted for the Swedish pattern.

Is the War Office satisfied that no combine can be made against them to artificially raise the price, and will they reserve the right to import from abroad if they suspect it?

I do not think that arises out of this question at all.

Does the War Office accept the principle that they must on no account buy anything from abroad?

No: but we always endeavour to give a preference to British goods.

Does not that handicap State dockyards as compared with private dockyards, who can buy in the open market?

Is there a preference to British goods in regard to the seating of the House of Commons?

That does not arise.