A Cabinet Minister begged Lord Leverhulme, on the score of patriotism, to set up such a factory.

Lord Leverhulme expressed his willingness to take up the project, but said that he must go to the public for a certain sum of money to carry it out.

The Cabinet Minister made no demur to this very natural proposal, but suggested that it might be well if Lord Leverhulme would call at the Treasury and inform them of his purpose.
Accordingly the great industrialist, able as was no other man in this particular to serve his country's need, called humbly at the Treasury for permission to ask the public for capital.

He was received by an official who refused point-blank to listen to such a proposition.

Lord Leverhulme mentioned again the name of the Cabinet Minister who had requested him to embark on this venture.