Mr. POINTERasked the Secretary to the Treasury whether any contractors who held or are now holding Government contracts have applied for any sum in excess of the amount of their original tender on which the contract was let in consequence of the labour disputes during the past twelve months; whether any contractors have for a like reason asked for the variation of the terms of their contracts; whether, in any cases, any such sums have been paid in excess; and, if so, will he state the names of such firms, the amount of such additional payments, and why they were paid?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI fear I could not give in answer to a question across the floor of the House the details for which the hon. Member asks. Cases arise from time to time in which, in the public interest, it is necessary to vary the original terms of a contract, and in some instances 1193W in the past year the effects of labour disputes, such as, for instance, an increase in labourers' wages above that stipulated for in the contract, might have to be taken into account. Variations of contract are jealously scrutinised by the Public Accounts Committee, and all cases—to whatever cause they may be due—are very carefully considered on their merits by the Department concerned and by the Treasury on application being made to it.