HC Deb 10 July 1940 vol 362 cc1170-1W
Rear-Admiral Beamish

asked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that his Department is employing many young accountants to investigate the costs of companies supplying materials to his orders, and that this is waste of manpower in view of the 100 per cent. Excess Profits Tax; and whether he will see that these young men are employed better elsewhere?

Mr. Harold Macmillan

None of the accountants employed in investigating the costs of firms contracting with the Ministry is under the reserved age for members of that profession under the Schedule of Reserved Occupations. As regards the need for the work having regard to the Excess Profits Tax, I would refer to the reply given on 13th June by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to a Question by the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes).