HC Deb 27 May 1957 vol 571 cc15-6
22. Dr. Broughton

asked the Minister of Supply what sum of money has been donated by his Department, since August, 1955, to firms employed on the production of armaments and other war materials in the 1939–45 war, including donations made to the firms' sports clubs and benevolent funds, in recognition of contributions made to final victory.

The Minister of Supply (Mr. Aubrey Jones)

None, Sir. Payments are made only in settlement of valid claims. In one case a claim for the war-time use of a group of inventions was settled, at the claimant's request, by payment to the firm's sports and benevolent funds.

Dr. Broughton

Were not the manufacturers of arms very well paid during the war? If the Government are to distribute largesse in this manner, would it not be better to give it to the men who fought in the front line, or, better still, to the war disabled?

Mr. Jones

There is no question of any distribution of largesse. This was a valid claim, and it was settled on terms which were extremely favourable to the public purse.