§ 55. Mr. LOUGHasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as the Ministry 531 of Munitions have now undertaken to keep proper books and furnish balance-sheets, he can undertake that all the other Government Departments which are temporarily carrying on import, productive, or distributive businesses will be made to furnish balance-sheets, giving particulars of their operations, and showing the cost, profit, and loss incurred for the year ending 31st March, 1918, or some other convenient period; and whether he can have these laid before the House in each case as early as possible?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAll Government Departments which are temporarily carrying on business of this kind are required by the Treasury to furnish balance-sheets giving information as suggested in the question. The question of publishing an abstract of the information is under consideration.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI say it is under consideration—yes, I think there might be many objections.