§ 82. Mr. SEDDONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he is aware of the feelings that are being expressed by contractors to his Department at the delays in settlement of accounts owing them, while at the same time they are being pressed by the Treasary for the payment of excess profits almost entireiy payable on amounts owing to them by the Ministry of Munitions; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. James Hope)The officers of the Ministry of Munitions are doing everything possible to expedite the settlement of accounts, and on this point I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Ashford, and to the hon. Member for North Newcastle, on 17th November. Certain cases of hardship such as my bun Friend suggests have recently been brought to my notice, and I am communicating with the Inland Revenue authorities on the matter.