HC Deb 03 November 1919 vol 120 c1124

The following question stood on the Order Paper in the name of Mr. HOUSTON:

71. To ask the Prime Minister whether, with a view to recover money profits improperly made out of the nation during the War, he will allow the House to appoint an independent Committee with full powers of investigation to deal with all contracts made with Government Departments, more especially those with the Ministry of Munitions, War Office, and Admiralty, the Committee having power to obtain all documents and examine witnesses on oath; and whether he will give assurance that in cases where the Committee report that improper or fraudulent profits have been made the Law Officers will take steps to enforce the repayment of same and the punishment of the culprits?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think the hon. Member has been asked to postpone this question?

Mr. HOUSTON

No.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I should be glad if he will do so for a week.

Mr. HOUSTON

May I ask whether the suggestion in the question is not the Most expeditious way of dealing with this question?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The question, as I understand it, is not about taxation, but about civil or criminal action, and that clearly must be considered by the other Ministers who arc more competent than I am to advise on the action to be taken.