HC Deb 29 May 1933 vol 278 cc1685-6

11.10 p.m.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

I beg to move, in page 27, line 12, at the end, to insert the words: (f) for the furnishing by the Development Board to any person requiring them, on payment of such fee as may be prescribed in the scheme, of an annual balance sheet and either an annual income and expenditure account or, if the Development Board trades for profit, an annual profit-and-loss account. This is a simple Amendment. The original Act provides for the furnishing by the marketing board of a copy of the balance sheets of the board to any person requiring them, and all we say in the Amendment is that the balance sheet and the accounts of the development board shall be made available in the same way. In fact, we think it is even more essential that the balance sheet of the development board shall be available, and we invite the right hon. Gentleman to make provision for that purpose.

Major ELLIOT

I can offer my hon. Friend the same concession that King Solomon offered to the mother on a famous occasion. I will give him half the baby, if he likes to split his Amendment in two. I think it is right that the board should be prepared to furnish its balance sheet on payment to anybody who wishes it, but it is a little harsh that it should be required to furnish other accounts. But, as I say, I am a very fair-minded man and, if my hon. Friend likes, I will cut the baby in two and he can have the head half now and I will keep the tail half.

Mr. WILLIAMS

I willingly accept the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's offer. It is almost the first substantial offer I have had made to me to-night.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendment made: In page 27, line 12, at the end, insert the words: (f) for the furnishing by the Development Board to any person requiring it, on payment of such fee as may be prescribed in the scheme, of an annual balance-sheet."—[Mr. T. Williams.]