§ 45. Mr. KINGasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that British armament companies doing work on contract for the Government have a total share capital of 31½ millions, and on more than half their share capital paid dividends of not less than 10 per cent.; that these companies have in several cases established works abroad where armaments are made for foreign Powers, and that many ships of war and armaments are made in this country for other countries that may become hostile to Great Britain; and whether, having regard to the financial interest which these companies have in making foreign Powers a more formidable menace, in certain events, to our national safety, he will institute an inquiry into the undertakings of these armament companies in order to determine whether the present system of contracting with them is in the national interest?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am unable to verify the figures given in the first part of the question, in the absence of a list of the companies which my hon. Friend has included, but I dare say they may be accurate. I know of no sufficient reason for instituting such an inquiry as my hon. Friend suggests.
§ Mr. KINGHas the right hon. Gentleman been noticing certain revelations 588 which have been made during his absence abroad, and, if not, will he take an early opportunity of inquiring into this matter in the light of the Press disclosures?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not know at all what revelations the hon. Member refers to.