HC Deb 24 June 1915 vol 72 cc1332-3
53. Mr. GINNELL

asked the Prime Minister whether any Member of His Majesty's Government holds, or held until recently, a financial interest in the firm of Jacks and Company, recently convicted of trading with the enemy?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Bonar Law)

As this question refers to me, perhaps I may be permitted to answer it myself. I was for many years a member of the firm referred to in the question, and I was still a partner in it when I entered the House of Commons in 1900. For some months afterwards I continued my connection with it, but I came to the conclusion that I had to choose between business and politics, and at the end of the year 1901 I gave up my business, and I gave it up absolutely. Since then—that is for more than thirteen years—I have had no control over the business. I have had no knowledge of the way in which it was conducted, and, although I have from time to time put money on deposit with them at a fixed rate of interest, I have had no share, direct or indirect, in the profits or losses of the firm.

Sir A. MARKHAM

May I ask whether an inquiry will be held into the mind of the hon. Member opposite who asks this kind of question in the House?