§ Mr. Lyonsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that complaints are growing in connection with the delays in final settlement of Government contracts, especially in the cases of those concerned with building and engineering industries, where delays involve large interest payments in bank overdrafts and the retention of costly staffs; and whether he will issue instructions which, with due regard to the public interest, will permit of definite settlement and payment at the earliest time?
§ Captain CrookshankI am not aware that the instructions to Departments on progress and final payments are inadequate or that there is a growing volume of complaint about delays in settlement. If my hon. Friend has any particular contracts in mind and will give particulars of them to the Ministers responsible I have no doubt they will look into them.