67. Mr. HARRISasked the Minister of Muntiions the names of companies and firms referred to in the Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure of his Department as showing excessive profits on transactions with his Department, especially those referred to in paragraph 50 of the Report?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Sir Worthington Evans)I have no desire to shield any companies or firms, but it would be unfair to mention the names referred to without at the same time submitting the relevant facts in each ease to the judgment of the House—for example, the extent of the increase of production given and the actual as distinct from the nominal capital involved—and also without amplifying certain statements in the Report which, as they stand, have led to false deductions. I cannot make a sufficiently full reply within the limits of an answer to a question, but I hope the House will have an opportunity of discussing the Report after Easter.