HC Deb 20 April 1914 vol 61 cc588-9
48. Major ARCHER-SHEE

asked the Prime Minister whether, with reference to his statement on 3rd July, 1913, that Ministers who held American Marconi Company shares were taking steps to divest themselves of these shares, he can now say whether this has been carried out or not?

The PRIME MINISTER

I understand that the two Ministers concerned have divested themselves of any shares held by them in the American Marconi Company.

Major ARCHER-SHEE

Has there been a bonâ-fide sale, or were they simply transferred as in the case of the party shares?

The PRIME MINISTER

That is not a very polite question. When I said my right hon. Friends had divested themselves of the shares, I meant in the fullest and strictest sense.