§ 52. Mr. A. Edwardsasked the Minister of Supply whether A. Herbert and Company are required to make returns similar to other machine tools importers and manufacturers; and, if so, are such returns up to date?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to Messrs. Alfred Herbert, Limited. In common with other machine tool importers and manufacturers, this company is required to render periodical returns to the Ministry of Supply, but the company have experienced some difficulty in supplying the complete returns asked for. I understand, however, that they have now made arrangements which will ensure that complete returns are made regularly.
§ Mr. EdwardsWill my right hon. Friend make it clear to this company that they are not to receive any privileges that other machine tool importers do not enjoy, and insist on their returns being made in exactly the same manner as other concerns have to make them?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am not aware that the firm have any privileges. They had a different system of accounting from others; they had radically to alter it, and I had to give them reasonable time to make the alteration. There is no evidence that they are receiving privileges.
§ Mr. EdwardsHas not my right hon. Friend admitted that they have not made the returns which other companies are expected to make?
§ Mr. MorrisonAs my hon. Friend insists in his suspicions, I may say that there are other firms which did not make the returns in time, and they also have had to be followed up.