§ 6 and 7. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) what are the patent rights and other matters which he has learnt are included in the 16 per cent. commission paid by certain American companies to an English barrister for influencing or securing the Admiralty orders for their aeroplanes; and (2) whether any members of his staff acted in any manner as introducer or intermediary between the English barrister acting as agent for an American aeroplane company; and whether he will inquire fully into the ultimate distribution of the sums involved?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer to the first part of Question 7 is in the negative. As regards the other matters referred to in the questions I do not think I can profitably deal with them until the Admiralty have full information before them as a result of the inquiries now being carried out in the United States, I have already given my hon. Friend an assurance that the inquiry already initiated will be full and searching, and I hope he will be prepared to leave the matter at that for the time being.
§ Mr. ASHLEYWill the inquiry include a specific investigation into the prices paid?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAYes; I said last week that we would go fully into the whole contract.