HC Deb 16 August 1916 vol 85 cc1863-4
93. Major HUNT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the shares in the British Petroleum Company, Limited, the Petroleum Steamship Company, Limited, and the Homelight Oil Company, Limited, registered in the name of a German company, have been vested in the Public Trustee; and whether the Board of Trade propose to sell such enemy shares in order to stop the profits accruing even nominally for the benefit of an enemy?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Harcourt)

The shares in the companies referred to which were registered in the name of a German company have been vested in the Public Trustee, and the method of dealing with these shares is at present under consideration.

97. Sir J. LONSDALE

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the practical monopoly of the supply of boiler tubes suitable for water-tube boilers in this country is in the hands of the British Mannesmann Tube Company, and that, on the 30th June, 1915, of 15,000 ordinary shares and 19,000 preference shares in this company, 14,330 ordinary shares and 18,873 preference shares were held by enemy aliens resident in Germany; if this firm is a controlled establishment under the Munitions of War Act; and if any steps have been taken under the Trading With the Enemy (No. 2) Act, 1916, to transfer the enemy interests in this concern to British shareholders?

Mr. HARCOURT

The British Mannesmann Tube Company, Limited, is a controlled establishment under the Munitions of War Act. The right to transfer the shares belonging to enemies has been vested in the Public Trustee, who informs me that he has now completed negotiations for their sale.

100. Mr. PENNEFATHER

asked what sums of money have been received by the Public Trustee in connection with transfers of shares in Suter, Hartmann and Rangens, Limited, and Holzapfels, Limited, from alien enemies to British subjects?

Mr. HARCOURT

The amount received by the Public Trustee on the sale of enemy shares in Suter, Hartmann and Rangens Composition Company, Limited, is £35,725. The enemy shares in Holzapfels, Limited, have not yet been sold, as the necessary inquiries with regard to certain shareholders whose names indicate that they may be of enemy nationality are not yet complete.