47. Mr. C. PALMERasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the allegation of unbusinesslike methods urged against the Ministry of Munitions in disposing of the surplus stocks under its control, he will immediately appoint a small Committee of practical business men of this House to examine into the methods of the Ministry with a view to advising as to the best and speediest 39 means of dealing with the huge stocks still in hand?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not think there is any ground for the suggestion that the Ministry of Munitions is not adopting sound business methods in the disposal of surplus stores. Two Members of this House, both business men, are members of the Disposal Board, of the other members, one is a Civil Servant, the other is a soldier, and the remainder of the Board are practical business men of considerable standing. The Government are not, therefore, prepared to adopt the hon. Member's' suggestion.
Mr. PALMERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it has come to his knowledge that there are seven by-elections pending and that this question is gravely influencing the minds of constituents?