§ 63. Mr. HOGGEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he can state approximately the value of material supplied to Ministry of Munitions' contractors which is at present unaccounted for?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. James Hope)I am not quite clear what the hon. Member means by material unaccounted for, but the bringing to account of material supplied to contractors prior to 31st March, 1918, has now been practically completed by the accounts branch, created for the purpose by my predecessor, the present Minister of Pensions, in accordance with a pledge given in this House in the early part of 1918. The investigation of the usage of such material by contfractors is proceeding as rapidly as possible, but, in view of the very large sums involved, it presents one of the greatest difficulties in the way of effecting a prompt settlement of contractors' accounts. Material supplied since the 31st March, 1918, is automatically brought to account.
§ Mr. HOGGECan my hon. Friend not inform us of the amount of material which has been handed out to contractors for which no payment has been received by the Ministry?
§ Mr. HOPEThat is not my hon. Friend's question. He asked what is the value not accounted for. Until the research has been completed it will be impossible to say what will have been accounted for and what will not.
§ Mr. HOGGECan the hon. Gentleman not tell me, in response to my question, how much has been unaccounted for up to date?