BRITISH DYES, LIMITED.

HC Deb 10 March 1915 vol 70 cc1391-3

41. Mr. BOOTH

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any expenses have been incurred out of public funds in holding meetings soliciting shares in British Dyes, Limited, and how those costs have been met; what is the estimated cost of advertising the share issue; and is any brokerage to be paid for placing capital?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No expense has been incurred out of public funds in holding meetings in connection with British Dyes, Limited. I am informed that the estimated cost of advertising is £1,450, and that no brokerage is to be paid for placing capital.

Mr. BOOTH

May I ask for the first part of the question to be answered—how the costs have been met if not out of public funds?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I understand that the expense of holding meetings in connection with British Dyes, Limited, has been defrayed by people and associations who are interested in the use of dyes.

Mr. BOOTH

Have any of these meetings been held since the Treasury Committee refused permission for this issue?

42. Mr. BOOTH

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any director or promoter of British Dyes, Limited, is interested in any option mentioned in the prospectus?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No, Sir.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the names of the directors representing the Government on this company and the pay they are receiving?

43. Mr. JOWETT

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give particulars of the steps he has taken, if any, to facilitate the conveyance of crude by products from this country to Switzerland for the purpose of being manufactured into aniline dyes?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

An official consignor has been appointed to systematise shipments from this country, and to deal with the difficulties of transport by land and sea, which, owing to the congestion arising out of the War, have naturally been considerable. I am glad to say that, owing to his efforts, the shipping difficulties have, it is believed, been largely overcome. The Railway Executive Committee are giving facilities for dispatch of the materials in question on railways in this country, and the French Government have granted facilities in respect of transit through France. Further steps to ensure the expeditious interchange of products are now under consideration, and the formation of the new Dye Company will, I hope, greatly simplify the problem.