HC Deb 27 February 1941 vol 369 cc630-1
56. Mr. Davidson

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what committee of his Department supervises the placing of war contracts; how many are on the committee; and what are their names?

Captain Crookshank

I am not aware of any committee answering to the hon. Member's description. The responsibility for the placing of contracts rests with the contracting Departments.

Mr. Davidson

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in a previous answer he indicated that there was such a committee, and if there is no such committee, what powers have the Treasury over the various Service Departments in the placing of contracts?

Captain Crookshank

There is a Contracts Co-ordinating Committee which deals with general questions of contracts practice.

Mr. Davidson

Are the Treasury directly represented on that Committee, and have they any say in the methods of placing those contracts?

Captain Crookshank

I would prefer to have detailed Questions on the Order Paper, so that I may be sure to give accurate replies.

57. Mr. Davidson

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that Government contracts are undertaken by certain English firms of which he has been informed, with plant hired from Scottish firms who cannot obtain work; and, if so, will he take steps to put an end to such methods which add considerably to the country's financial burden?

Captain Crookshank

I am making inquiries about these cases and will communicate with the hon. Member.

Mr. Davidson

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the firm of Wimpey's, which is concerned with this question, has as one of its heads a Tory candidate who recently granted funds to the Conservative party, and will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman's inquiries go fully into the whole question of the personnel of this particular firm?

Captain Crookshank

Those considerations seem to be irrelevant to the Question on the Paper.

Mr. Davidson

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that Scottish building contractors feel that the question of influence is very relevant so far as the placing of those contracts is concerned?