47. Mr. HERBERT WHITELYasked the Prime Minister if the Government will make a declaration as to the treatment to be awarded to manufacturers whose works may have to be closed down owing to the Government commandeering for national purposes supplies of raw material necessary for their continuance in business?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOne of the objects of the purchase or control of raw material is to secure a proper distribution of available stocks, and thus, so far as the national interest permits, to prevent disturbance of industry. As far as I have been able to ascertain, the action of Government Departments in this direction has not yet had the effect which my hon. Friend apprehends.