HC Deb 08 January 1942 vol 377 cc34-6
66. Major Lyons

asked the President of the Board of Trade the industries in connection with which a Central Compensation Fund has been established in relation to concentration of trading; and the number of occasions, to date, in which from that fund or from private industrial arrangement, respectively, compensation has been, or is to be, paid to firms now merged?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade (Captain Waterhouse)

Central compensation funds have been established in connection with the following industries:—Certain branches of the cotton and the woollen and worsted industries, pottery, glazed tiles, carpets and steel sheets. I am unable to give the figures asked for in the second part of the Question. Although the Board of Trade examine the compensation schemes submitted by industries so as to assure themselves that those schemes conform with the general principles of the Government's economic policy, the Board are not themselves directly concerned with the operation of the schemes.

Major Lyons

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say in general terms whether any payment of compensation is made in respect of businesses which up to the date of their merging were on a non-profit basis, or, in other words, losing business?

Captain Waterhouse

These payments have nothing to do with profitability or unprofitability. They are designed to enable firms to remain in being so that they may restart after the war.

67. Mr. De la Bère

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in connection with the small factories whose premises have been requisitioned by the Government, and who have been instructed or compelled to join forces and form nucleus groups, the position can now be reviewed?

Captain Waterhouse

All nucleus certificates so far issued have been provisional usually for a period of three months and subject to review before renewal. My right hon. Friend cannot therefore agree to the special review suggested in the Question. I would point out that very small firms have not in general been brought within the concentration arrangements.

Mr. De la Bère

Does my hon. and gallant Friend realise that this matter cannot be lightly dismissed in that way? Perhaps he will be good enough to see me afterwards?