57. Mr. DUNDAS WHITEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received from the Ministry of Munitions specific particulars of the cases in which the Minister of Munitions has stated that experience of the national shell factories had enabled that Department to cut down the prices charged by certain firms for certain ammunition, the cost of which runs into millions, by 30 and 40 per cent., and of the case in which the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions stated that the threat to examine the books of the contracting firm had the effect of cutting down the price of certain material from £30 to £20 a ton, and of saving about £500,000 in a short time; and whether special attention will be given to these and any similar cases, with a view to securing an adequate application of the Excess Profits Duty?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I can assure my hon. Friend that all due steps will be taken for the ascertainment of cases in which excess profits have been realised, and for the recovery of the duty thereon.
§ Mr. McKENNAI must have notice of that question.