HC Deb 15 June 1915 vol 72 cc540-1
51. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Prime Minister whether he will at an early date introduce legislation to provide that a proper proportion of the profits made by persons, firms, or companies holding Government contracts for work in connection with the War shall be paid over to the Exchequer?

The PRIME MINISTER

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade yesterday, in which he stated that the whole question of the method of limitation of the profits of armament firms is now being considered by the Government.

Mr. BUTCHER

In view of the extreme importance of this question as bearing upon the better supply of munitions of war, will this question receive immediate consideration?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is receiving consideration.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

Is it not possible to see that the contractors do not get such high prices as to enable them to make exorbitant profits?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is one of the questions which is under consideration.