ACCA's wording of questions

Hi Mike.

I am find some ACCA questions are badly (ambiguously) worded. I wanted to ask your opinion, as I may be mistaken and it may be due to poor knowledge when I look at a question. For example:

“Ali, Sam and Fred are in partnership running a small office supply business. Their partnership agreement states that the firm will only supply items of stationery. The partners have specifically agreed not to purchase large items, such as printers and photocopiers, for resale”

“One evening Fred met Bob, a photocopier salesman, at a charity dinner. Bob had previously tried, unsuccessfully, to sell photocopiers to the firm. The partners told Bob that their business did not involve selling photocopiers. However, at the charity dinner, Bob persuaded Joe to buy two photocopiers.”

“What authority did Fred have to buy the photocopiers?

Express
None
Ostensible
Implied”

“Correct Answer:
None
In this scenario Fred has no authority to bind the firm, as Bob was aware of this in his previous dealings with the firm as clearly stated in the partnership agreement.”

As far as Bob was aware, 2 photocopiers could have been for office use.

Also, I am surprised as I thought the third party would still be innocent as the partner has an authority like a director has an authority.

Would a bank also not be able to claim repayment if they gave Fred money to buy photocopiers in the name of the partnership even though they had been told their business does not do that?

Thank you.