§ 48. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Prime Minister in approximately how many cases, up to the end of January, have complaints from contractors or unofficial persons been made to the Advisory Panel of Industrialists; how many of these have been communicated to him; and whether he will instruct the members of this body that if they intend to proffer any further reports such reports, to have the maximum value, should encompass both favourable and unfavourable factors in rearmament?
§ The Prime MinisterI am informed that up to the end of January the Advisory Panel of Industrialists have received nine complaints from contractors or unofficial persons. The panel has not, however, found it necessary to refer any of these cases to me. As regards the last part of the question, it is clear from the third paragraph of the panel's letter to me, which was published in the Proceedings of the House on and February, that the panel have made a general examination of the whole field of rearmament, with particular reference to the items which, in their opinion, seemed of more immediate importance. The suggestion in the last part of the hon. Member's question seems to me, therefore, to be wholly unjustified.
§ Mr. LoganMay I call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to one case in 745 Liverpool? I do not wish to mention names, but in accordance with the desire of the Department I sent on the case to this industrial body and no reply has yet been received regarding a firm which could give employment to 700 or 800 people in the city of Liverpool. Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire about that?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIf this panel of industrial advisers has received only nine complaints, is not that indicative of the futility of this form of procedure; and does it not show that contractors are as much afraid of making complaints to this panel as they were of making complaints directly to the Department?