§ LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (Woolwich)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of any option or contract existing giving the American Combine the right to take over the shares or fleet of the Cunard Company; and, if not, whether he will take steps to ascertain the facts of the case.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. GERALD BALFOUR, Leeds, Central)I have reason to believe that no such option or contract exists.