§ 30. Mr. FELLasked the Secretary of State for India what action has been taken with regard to the Germans who, whether naturalised or not, have opened stores or shops in different towns in India and obtained influence among the natives in the neighbourhood; will he say whether these stores have been closed; and whether the goods have been confiscated?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Chamberlain)In pursuance of powers under the Hostile Foreigners Trading Order, an Order promulgated by the Government of India, every shop or store owned or managed by Germans, the existence of which has come to notice, has been required to take out a licence either to continue trade or be wound up, or has been closed. Each case has been dealt with on its merits. The inquiry has included all firms of which any member or officer was a hostile foreigner at the time War was declared or subsequently. When liquidation has been ordered the owner or manager has received a licence permitting him to dispose of goods in his shop or store. No action appears to have been taken against naturalised Germans as such in this connection.