asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, before a further contract for fire-fighting pumps was given to Sigmunds Pumps (Great Britain), Limited, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, any inquiries were made as to whether this firm, the capital and control of which is entirely in foreign hands, has carried out its previous contracts in a wholly satisfactory and expeditious manner?

In accordance with normal practice, the performance of this firm on previous contracts was fully considered before the recent contract was placed with them.