HC Deb 21 July 1924 vol 176 cc866-7
30. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Prime Minister whether he will ascertain if the Departmental Committee which is about to inquire into the facts recently disclosed in the Law Court of the payment by one Government contractor to another for the purpose of preventing competition in regard to certain Government contracts will expedite the inquiry; and whether the evidence given will be published and as to the other Government contracts as to which also inquiry is to be made?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. William Graham)

Since my answer of the 14th July, the Committee have sat on two days to hear evidence on this matter, and will be meeting again on Wednesday and Thursday next. The question whether this and other evidence taken by the Committee shall be published will be considered when they make their Report.

Sir K. WOOD

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is very urgent that this matter should be dealt with at once?

Mr. GRAHAM

Oh, yes; I quite agree, and no time is being lost.