§ 19. Mr. ROBERT YOUNGasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware how many firms are waiting payment of money due to them for work done for his Department or as a result of payment made by them in accordance with decisions governing wages awards; is he aware that many of these firms have made repeated applications for payment by sending in their claims and amended claims, but no payment has been made; that this is creating financial embarrassment to some firms, which are having great difficulty in carrying on, and that as a result fewer men instead of more men are likely to be employed by them; and whether steps will be taken by those responsible to see that all legitimate claims are met without further delay?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAEvery effort is being made to accelerate the payment of outstanding claims. The position of contractors is fully appreciated, and it is the practice of the Admiralty to make advances to the fullest extent justified in cases where a final settlement of claims is unavoidably delayed. If my hon. Friend will inform me of any specific cases of delay which he has in mind, I shall be happy to have them investigated.