HC Deb 09 September 1942 vol 383 cc149-50
50. Mr. Stokes

asked the Minister of Supply whether, following the lead of the Minister of Works and Planning, he will cause all Controllers in his Department to dissociate themselves for the duration of the war from the firms to which they belong?

The Minister of Supply (Sir Andrew Duncan)

All Controllers appointed to the Raw Materials Controls are required as a condition of their appointment to cease from active participation in business enterprises which are in any way connected with the industry whose materials they are controlling during the tenure of their posts.

Mr. Stokes

Am I to understand from my right hon. Friend that their remuneration is paid to them by his Department and not by the firms with which they are associated?

Sir A. Duncan

I replied recently to a Question by my hon. Friend, indicating how many Controllers were paid by the State and how many were not.

Mr. Stokes

Can my right hon. Friend explain to this House why, in view of the fact that the remuneration paid to these people has to be included in the cost of goods which the Government purchase, there is any objection whatsoever to his Department paying them and taking over proper control of them?

Mr. Austin Hopkinson

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform us whether these gentlemen will take part in the share-out after the war?

Mr. Stokes

In view of the unsatisfactory position, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.