§ 40. Mr. HOGGEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he proposes, as in the case of defaulting workmen before the munitions tribunal, to publish from time to time the names of defaulting firms, and also the names of firms who charge different prices before and after he asks to see their books?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe proceedings before munitions tribunals, whether against workmen or against employers, are public, and no steps are taken by the Ministry to publish the names of defaulting workmen or the names of defaulting firms. At present my right hon. Friend cannot give an undertaking to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.
§ Mr. HOGGEWhat does the Minister of Munitions intend to do with those firms, which are guilty of these practices?
§ Dr. ADDISONIt is rather early to say.
§ Mr. ANDERSONIs it not the case that the workman who is brought before these munitions tribunals has his name published in the newspapers: if that is true why should a firm be screened whose price, according to the hon. Member's own statement, is brought down from £30 to £20 on the strength of a threat to examine the books? Why should a firm be thus hidden?
§ Dr. ADDISONAs the hon. Member will see, the one is a publicly constituted tribunal, and the other a private inquiry 1433 by the Minister of Munitions. They are not altogether parallel, but, if necessary, we shall not hesitate to publish any names.