§ Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that large numbers of housing and other contractors with local authorities are in default on their obligations; that various Government Departments, when appealed to, have given guidance of varying effect to local authorities as to the general and legal principles which should be applied; that local authorities at present have no power to make additional payments to such contractors; and whether, in order to obtain recommendations for a fair and uniform procedure in such cases, he will consider setting up a Royal Commission composed of persons having knowledge of local government, of business considerations and of relevant law?
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§ The Prime MinisterThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the negative. A uniform procedure for dealing with contracts which had not been finished when the war broke out has been laid down for all Departments. Under this procedure each case is considered on its merits so as to secure a fair and reasonable settlement. I see no reason, therefore, to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the Question.