HC Deb 07 April 1937 vol 322 cc177-8
27. Mr. Mander

asked the Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence the maximum and minimum limits of profit permitted to contractors for the rearmament programme?

The Minister for the Co-ordination of Defence (Sir Thomas (Inskip)

For reasons which the hon. Member will readily appreciate, I think it would be contrary to the public interest to give the information asked in the question.

Mr. Mander

Is there such a thing as a definitely fixed maximum of profit?

Sir T. Inskip

I have previously stated that no maximum or minimum profit is fixed. The profit has to be settled in each case in relation to the particular job in question.

Mr. Mander

Is it possible to say the highest amount of profit permitted in any one case?

Sir T. Inskip

No, and it would be most undesirable, because every contractor would then desire a profit which would be wholly excessive in his particular case.

Sir A. Sinclair

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the White Paper which is to deal with this question and with the recommendations of the Royal Commission on this question will be published? I mean the White Paper which was promised two or three weeks before Easter.

Sir T. Inskip

The right hon. Gentleman had better ask that question in another quarter.

Mr. Shinwell

If it were discovered that excessive profits were being made, would it not be open to the Government to deal with the matter?

Sir T. Inskip

That is a purely hypothetical question. The profits are in many cases, or the rate of profit that is to be added to the cost incurred, are very often not settled until the job has been finished.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not my question bound to be hypothetical, and also every other question until the right hon. Gentleman reveals the facts?

Sir T. Inskip

I have stated on many occasions in the fullest detail the principles upon which prices are fixed in Government contracts.

Sir A. Sinclair

In view of the anxiety which exists in many parts of the House, may I ask the Prime Minister when the White Paper which he promised about a fortnight before Easter is to be published?

The Prime Minister (Mr. Baldwin)

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put that question down.

Sir A. Sinclair

We have put the question down on more than one occasion. We were told two or three weeks before Easter that it was to be published. May we now know when it is to be published?

The Prime Minister

That does not help me to answer a question of which I have not had notice.

Sir A. Sinclair

I have given notice.