§ 67. Mr. Robert Gibsonasked the Minister of Supply with how many firms he has 767 contracts for the delivery of heavy motor lorries complete with bodies, and/or contracts for bodies for heavy motor lorries, where, at the time the contracts were entered into, such firms did not in fact carry on the business of building bodies for heavy motor lorries; how many of these firms have since erected premises and/or plant for the building of such bodies; and how many of these firms are still sub-contracting for the building of these bodies?
§ Mr. BurginContracts for heavy motor lorries complete with bodies or for bodies for heavy motor lorries have been placed with five firms which, at the time the contracts were entered into, were not carrying on the business of building bodies for heavy motor lorries. None of these firms has, within my knowledge, since erected premises or plant for the building of such bodies. With regard to the last part of the Question, four of the five firms referred to are still sub-contracting for the building of these bodies. The fifth firm is a railway company with plant capable of building heavy lorry bodies; this order is for bodies of military type and fitted with special equipment.
§ Mr. GibsonHas the right hon. Gentleman any control at all over these sub-contracts?
§ Mr. BurginYes, Sir, considerable control.