asked the Minister for Defence if he will take steps to see that contracts for the supply of provisions, etc., for the Army, which terminated on 31st March, 1924, are re-advertised; if he will see that contracts which expired at that date are not extended without competitive tenders being sought?

Owing to recent changes of organisation in the Army it has not been practicable to avoid extending the contracts in question for a month. Tenders have now been invited by advertisements for the period from the 1st May until the 31st July.

Will the Minister say whether in extending the contracts for one month that the advantages in the reductions in prices of certain commodities will be secured to the Department?

There is a question later on in the Paper from the Deputy, which, I think, will take in the question he has now put.