§ 38. Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for War with whom the contract for the manufacture of Bren guns in Canada has been made; and what are the terms of the contract?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe contract for the manufacture of Bren guns in Canada has been placed with John Inglis Company, Limited, Toronto, Ontario. The terms of the contract provide: For the manufacture of a number of Bren guns in conjunction with the concurrent manufacture of a number of guns for the Canadian Government; the British Government is subscribing a proportion of the cost of the plant, the cost of the balance being met by the Canadian Government; for payment of the actual cost of production with profit up to a fixed maximum amount; for fixing a standard cost for the gun after three months' full production of guns, and the provision of an incentive bonus consisting of a percentage of any saving achieved on the standard cost.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherMay I ask whether the Minister's attention has been called to the report of the Canadian Government inquiry into this matter, which indicates that this British contract was made with a gentleman who had no previous experience of gun manufacture, no plant or resources at his disposal for manufacturing guns, and who represented a company with several dummy directors?
§ Sir V. WarrenderNo, Sir. I am not aware of those facts. Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give them to me.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherI beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.