43. Colonel Sir F. HALLasked the Secretary to the Treasury if a large amount of munition work is paid for on a cost basis, with the result that, whatever increase in wages may be given by contractors, the cost is borne by the firms concerned, and they receive a percentage on such increase; if he is aware that it is practically impossible to ensure that only such rate of wages and war advance shall be paid as have been approved by the Departments concerned; and if, with a view to economy and preventing firms obtaining an unfair advantage over their competitors, this system of payment can be modified or done away with?
§ Sir W. EVANSI have been asked to answer this question. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. and learned Member for the College Division of Glasgow on 28th January last.