HC Deb 22 February 1937 vol 320 cc1641-2
47. Sir Percy Harris

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have any intention to implement any part of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Private Manufacture of Armaments; and, if so whether he will print a White Paper stating what their proposals are?

The Prime Minister

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add to the answer I gave last week on this subject.

Sir P. Harris

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman realise that it is rather unfair to the distinguished ladies and gentlemen, who gave two years of their time to the Royal Commission, that no notice should be taken of their recommendations for so long a time?

The Prime Minister

I should have thought that the longer time which was given would show that greater appreciation was given to the recommendations.

64. Mr. Hardie

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now give the House any definite assurance that machinery has been set up to prevent abnormal profiteering in the manufacture of armaments; and, if so, will these be retrospective, dating back to when the first £300,000,000 was put into operation?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend gave on 28th January to the hon. Member for Central Southwark (Mr. Day), of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. Hardie

Have the Government nothing more to add now to that answer, or are they still going to admit that they are just going along on the same lines as in 1914–18, allowing a general swindle to get right through, especially members of their own party?

Lieut.-Colonel Colville

I do not agree with what the hon. Gentleman says on that point.