77. Colonel THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether the subsidies in connection with the manufacture of iron and steel, including those on iron ore, coke, and pig-iron, are about to be withdrawn; whether all the moneys due to the various firms that have been receiving subsidies have been paid over; the amount of money that is now due to the firms in question; and if he will take action in the matter?
Mr. HOPEThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Payment of the subsidies due to the various firms is generally made to the extent of 80 per cent of the claims received and the balance is paid as soon as possible after the claims have been investigated and adjusted between the Ministry and the makers. The amount due to the firms in question cannot be stated until after their claims have been received and investigated, and every endeavour is made to settle the claims as promptly as possible.