HC Deb 08 August 1918 vol 109 cc1545-6
Mr. WRIGHT (by Private Notice)

asked the Prime Minister what Department of what Ministry was prior to February, 1917, and has since that date been responsible for advising the War Office or the Ministry of Munitions whether proposals for the production of cellulose acetate should be accepted?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I only received notice of this question a few minutes before I entered the House. The subject being under inquiry, I think it would be premature and might be misleading to attempt to furnish information as to the respective responsibility of the various sections of the War Office and Ministry of Munitions concerned.

Sir W. BULL (by Private Notice)

asked the Leader of the House if he has been able to meet the demand of the British Cellulose Company for a full inquiry on oath into the charges made in this House and in the Press against that company?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have invited one of His Majesty's judges, who will act as chairman, and two business men whose names will, I am sure, inspire confidence, to inquire into this matter, with the following terms of reference: To inquire into and report upon the formation and financial arrangements of the British Cellulose and Chemical Manufacturing Company, Limited, and associated companies, and upon their relations with Departments of the Government. I have not yet, owing to their absence from town, received the consent of these gentlemen, and I cannot, therefore, give their names, but if possible I shall give them before the House rises to-day. The power to take evidence on oath could not be given except by legislation which, in any case, would have been impossible before the House rises, and I am confident that the absence of this power will not prevent the fullest inquiry into all the circumstances of the case.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a Bill down on the Order Paper to-day dealing with certain complaints of inhumanity in Belfast Prison in order that evidence may be taken on oath; why not have one commission to take these inquiries?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not see how it is possible that the Bill to which my hon. and learned Friend refers can be passed. I do not think it is possible.

Mr. HEALY

Then why not make the reference to Belfast the same as is being done in this case, so that there shall not be a delay of three months? You are giving to English Members in the case of an English scandal an immediate inquiry, and you say that an oath is not necessary. In the case of the Irish scandal you say that it is necessary, and the matter will consequently be delayed for three months?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I believe a question is being addressed on that question to my right hon. Friend.