HC Deb 03 April 1913 vol 51 cc551-2
54. Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

asked the Prime Minister whether he will grant the Return relating to Ministers of the Crown (Directorships), notice of which stands on to-day's Paper?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not think that my hon. Friend's Return ought to be granted, as the information which he seeks is obtainable without difficulty from other sources.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that although the information with reference to ministerial company directors is easily obtainable, I cannot for the life of me ascertain what contracts for Government Departments are being executed by companies which have ministerial directors? Will he make a compromise with me and give me a Return of the contracts which the Government had with the Royal Mail Company when Lord Selborne was one of the directors?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should be very sorry to make any such promise. Neither do I think that for the life of me I could grant the Return.