§ Mr. GILLISasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in connection with the claim of Messrs. Woodhead Brothers, Leeds, against the Ministry of Munitions, he is aware that the firm did not voluntarily agree to accept the sum of £1,000 in full settlement of the claim, and only signed the receipt under pressure and in order to obtain some part of the debt; and whether he will have this question further inquired into, with a view to the payment of the balance owing to this firm?
Mr. YOUNGThere is no foundation for the suggestion contained in the first part of the question. The payment to Messrs. Woodhead Brothers was made "ex gratia," and in view of the careful investigation which the case received I regret that I am not prepared to consider any further grant.