HC Deb 30 November 1922 vol 159 cc898-9
67. Mr. HOUFTON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the charges made by the firm of Rownson, Drew, and Clydesdale, of 225, Upper Thames Street, E.G., against the Disposal Board, particularly with regard to the sale of 150,000 tons of scrap brass at £24 6s. 8d. per ton, when the above firm held a contract for the same at £35 per ton; and will he grant an impartial inquiry into this and other transactions of the Disposal Board?

Mr. BALDWIN

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. The charges made against the Disposal Board regarding the alleged loss on the sale of brass scrap were fully dealt with in a letter from the Chairman of the Disposal and Liquidation Commission, which appeared in the Press on the 8th September last. I share the view of my predecessor (a letter from whom was published in the Press on the 11th September last) that the allegation made as to this loss is untrue. The answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's question is in the negative. The accounts of the Disposal Board are audited by an officer of this House, the Comptroller and Auditor-General, and any irregularities on matters requiring comment by him are brought before a Committee of this House, the Public Accounts Committee, and can be fully investigated there. I am satisfied that the Disposal Board has carried out an extremely difficult task in an efficient manner.

Mr. THOMSON

Is it to be understood that the allegation made in this question is denied or accepted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer—there is a specific allegation made?

Mr. BALDWIN

Perhaps I had better read the words that I used: "The allegation made as to this loss is untrue."

Mr. THOMSON

The allegation is not that there was a loss. The allegation is that a contract was made. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a statement by contractors that a contract was made, and that that contract was broken. Is that correct?

Mr. BALDWIN

May I tell my hon. Friend that there is a great deal connected with that matter that does not appear in this question? These are ex-parte statements, and there is a great deal not appearing in this question that would entirely alter the aspect of the whole case. Any irregularities that may be suggested can be investigated before the Public Accounts Committee.