HC Deb 31 December 1916 vol 88 cc1627-8
81. Captain BARNETT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the official supervisor of the Deutsche Bank (Berlin) London agency wrote on the 11th instant, in reference to certain shares of an English company standing in the name of the said agency, that these shares were held for account of the Frankfort branch of the Deutsche Bank, that no instructions had been received from that branch to sell the shares, and it was therefore impossible to do so; and, if so, whether it is proposed to postpone the final liquidation of the Deutsche Bank (Berlin) London agency until the agency can communicate with the alien enemies in charge of the Frankfort branch?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The controller informs me that the shares which appear to be referred to by the hon. and gallant Member possess an approximate value of £10. All shares held by the London agency of the Deutsche Bank which are not at the unlimited disposal of the London management, as in the case referred to, are now in course of being vested in the custodian. The final liquidation of the Deutsche Bank is, therefore, not being postponed. There is, of course, no intention of permitting the London agency to communicate with its Frankfort branch as to disposal of securities held on behalf of that branch.

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what the custodian is supposed to do, or will do, with these funds; will the Government take any action as to what shall be done with these funds?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I would like notice of that.