§ 59. Mr. Denvilleasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that certain firms on Government and private contracts, after charging time and material, are adding 15 per cent. establishment charges plus 20 per cent. profit, a total of 35 per cent.; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this practice?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI am afraid that it is impossible to deal with this Question without knowledge of the goods or services which are the subject of the contracts. 786 So far as Ministry of Supply contracts are concerned, I shall be pleased, if my hon. Friend will give me the particulars, to consider any specific case which he has in mind.
§ 60. Mr. Ellis Smithasked the Minister of Supply whether he has considered the letter dated 9th July from the North Staffordshire Council of the building industry, and that from the hon. Member for Stoke dated 11th July; why no explanatory reply has been made; whether he is satisfied that the allegations contained in the letter dated 9th July are proved by the facts; if so, what is the explanation; what steps are being taken to prevent a repetition; and why was the contract given to the firm named in the letter of 9th July?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe letters to which my hon. Friend refers have been considered, and I much regret that owing to a misunderstanding in my Department, the necessary inquiries are not yet quite complete. I hope to be able to reply fully to my hon. Friend very shortly.