§ 67. Mr. FELLasked the Secretary of State for India if he can ascertain the number of stores and shops in India which at the date of the War were owned and managed by Germans; and if he will consider the desirability of taking over the whole of this property and putting it in the form of a corporation with British managers in the stores instead of German, and put an end to this plan of increasing German influence throughout India?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs regards the first part of the question, inquiry will be made. As regards the second, there are only a small number of shops or stores to which licences to trade have been granted without conditions. I have every reason to believe that the Government of India are alive to the necessities of the situation, but I am in communication with the Viceroy on the subject.
§ Mr. FELLWill the right hon. Gentleman himself personally look into this and consider whether it is not an admirable opportunity for getting rid once for all of this German business, which ought never to have been allowed?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have not waited for the suggestion of my hon. Friend; I am giving the whole matter my personal attention.