§ 71. Mr. HARDIEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total sum of money spent for the erection of the munitions works at Gretna; and will he give the total amount paid to contractors who were employed on the basis of 10 per cent. upon materials purchased and wages paid?
§ Mr. BALDWINThe cost of Gretna, including the land and townships, was approximately £9,000,000. The work was completed about six years ago, and to furnish the information required in the second part of the question would involve the examination of accounts over six years old. I regret that, with the present depleted staffs, it is impracticable to undertake that work.
§ Mr. HARDIEMight I be given the privilege, in the presence of the officials in charge, of examining these accounts, because I have come across something very serious which I want to bring to the attention of the public? I should like to press this, because it is very serious. I have definite information.
§ Mr. BALDWINIf the hon. Member will come and see rue about the matter, and tell me what is in his mind, I shall be glad to discuss it with him.
§ Mr. HANNONDoes this mean that everyone who has a complaint against the State must have the right to examine accounts?
§ Mr. HARDIEWhy not.?