§ Mr. R. YOUNGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if he is aware how many firms are waiting 626W payment of money due to them for work done for his Department or as a result of payment made by them in accord with decisions governing wages awards; whether any of these firms have made repeated applications for payment by sending in their claims and amended claims, but no payment has been made; that this is creating financial embarrassment to some firms which are having great difficulty in carrying on, and that as a result fewer men instead of more men are likely to be employed by them; and whether steps will be taken by those responsible to see that all legitimate claims are met without further delay?
Mr. HOPEEvery effort is made by the Accounts Department of the Ministry to discharge contractors' claims as rapidly as possible. It must be understood that, as the accounts are now in process of final liquidation, great care has to be exercised to ensure that any sums due by contractors are taken into account before settlements are effected. Payments on account, however, are made, wherever the circumstances warrant it. If my hon. Friend will inform me of any specific cases of hardship which have come to his knowledge I will have immediate inquiries made into them.