§ Mr. NEVILLEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the British company which manufactures carbide of calcium for the Government is unable to obtain payment from the Ministry of Munitions of accounts due in respect of supplies to the Government and capital expenditure on behalf of the 326W Government; that the company has for many months past pressed the Ministry for payment without result; and that the Ministry, after settling the terms of a new contract with the company, has called upon the company to act upon it but refuses or neglects to complete the contract or to act upon it; whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction caused by the state of disorganisation existing within the Ministry and the consequent difficulty of conducting business; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI cannot agree that the statements made in my hon. Friend's question accurately state the facts. The company referred to has received considerable financial assistance from the Ministry. On balance, the accounts show that the company owes the Government money. The company's accounts are settled as promptly as possible, and any delay has arisen mainly from difficulties raised by the company. The new contract referred to was recently sent to the company for signature. The facts of this case do not bear out the statements contained in the last part of my hon. Friend's question.