§ 33. Mr. HAYDN JONESasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether a locomotive manufactured by Messrs. Hudswell, Clarke, and Company, Limited, Leeds, was bought second-hand by the Ministry in July, 1917, for £399; whether a firm of brickmakers, in urgent need of a locomotive in order to meet the housing demand for material, on applying for particulars of available engines, were offered this same locomotive and asked the sum of £1,150 for it, although it is stated to require retubing; and, if so, whether this method of profiteering and restraining trade has received the sanction of the Government?
§ The DEPUTY-MINISTER of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)I have no information of any transaction of the kind, nor is it possible to make effective inquiries without more definite particulars. If my hon. Friend will supply me with further details, I will have inquiries made.