HC Deb 08 August 1916 vol 85 c871
83. Sir RICHARD COOPER

asked the President of the Board of Trade the policy of his Department in winding-up enemy controlled businesses and in disposing of shares in British companies held by enemy subjects?

Mr. HARCOURT

The general policy of the Board is to give effect to the policy of Parliament as indicated in the Trading With the Enemy Acts, by eliminating enemy control from British trade, either by winding-up the business or by transferring the enemy interest to British subjects.

Sir R. COOPER

Is it the policy of the right hon. Gentleman's Department to secure to Germans who hold, shares in British shipping companies the whole of the increment of the shares arising out of the acts of the Germans themselves?

Mr. HARCOURT

No, Sir.

Mr. OUTHWAITE

What policy is adopted with regard to the transference of the shares of British subjects? Are any steps taken to secure that certain individuals do not get a special opportunity of obtaining these shares?

Mr. HARCOURT

I shall be glad to give the hon. Member the information if he will kindly put down a question.