76. Mr. NEWDEGATEasked whether the firm of Werner, Pfleiderer and Perkins, of Peterborough, are on the controlled list, and are employed to supply goods to the Munitions Department; and whether this is to all intents a German firm?
Mr. HARCOURTSlightly under one-third of the shares of Werner, Pfleiderer and Perkins, Limited, are registered in the names of German subjects. The right to transfer these shares has been vested in the Public Trustee, who is now endeavouring to find a British purchaser. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Munitions informs me that the firm is controlled, and has contracts with the Ministry.
Mr. NEWDEGATEWill the right hon. Gentleman guarantee that none of the profits from the firm go over to Germany?
Mr. HARCOURTIf the hon. Member asks me to give a guarantee to him, I must ask him to give me notice of his question.