asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that Wilton carpets of good quality have an established reputation for durability under severe conditions of wear, and that high-grade carpets of this kind are, made in Cork City; and whether the Commissioners of Public Works during the present year have requested quotations for such carpets and, if so, with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wilton Carpets.
asked the Minister for Finance if he will state (a) the number of firms who were invited by the Commissioners of Public Works to quote for Wilton processed carpets in each of the years 1954 and 1955 and during the current year; (b) how many of these firms engaged in business as (i) retailers and fitters of carpets, and (ii) wholesalers of carpets; and (c) whether any of the firms in question failed to respond to the commissioners' request for quotations for Wilton carpets, and, if so, that number of such firms and the reasons, if any, which they gave for so failing.
It is proposed with the permission of An Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.
With the exception of hand tufted carpets it is not the practice of the Commissioners of Public Works to invite tenders for particular types of carpet and separate quotations for Wilton processed carpets were not sought by the commissioners in 1954, 1955 or in the present year. The practice is to place a general contract from year to year which provides for supply, cutting, sewing, lifting and laying, and to order from the contractor appointed such quantities and types of carpet as may be required during the year. This general contract is advertised in the public Press.