§ 38. Mr. Stokesasked the Minister of Supply how the fee of £220,750, payable to the British Metal Corporation for the first year's management for running non-ferrous metal control was arrived at; and what is the fee payable for the second year?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThe fee payable to the British Metal Corporation is made up in the main of an allowance for the cost of staff and expenses incurred by the company, but includes a sum for the services of the company in putting their organisation and certain of their revenues at the disposal of the Ministry. The fee payable after the first year is £221,400.
§ Mr. Glenvil HallDoes my right hon. Friend consider that this figure is a proper one, as it seems an enormous sum to me?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe hon. Member will appreciate that this was an agreement that was made before I went to the Ministry, and is running, and I cannot very well interfere with it, at any rate at this stage, and I am advised by officers of the Department who considered the matter very carefully that, in their judgment, it was a reasonable arrangement and in the public interest.
§ Mr. StokesArising out of the original answer—
§ Mr. Speaker rose—
§ Mr. StokesOn a point of Order. I desire to ask a Supplementary Question, Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. SpeakerMembers are only allowed each to ask three Questions. That does 1264 not mean that Members can ask unlimited Supplementary Questions.
§ Mr. StokesMay I ask the Minister whether, in his original reply—
§ Mr. Speaker rose—
§ Mr. StokesIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.