§ 64 Major HUNTasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what British companies are interested directly or indirectly, and to what extent, in the shares and profits of the Astra Romana Company; (2) if he has any information to show that any portion of the Astra Romana Company's output of benzine, kerosene, or other petroleum products has been delivered to or disposed of in Germany during the War; and (3) if he can state the names and nationality of the persons who at the outbreak of war were directors of a petroleum company in Roumania called the Astra Romana Company; and who are the principal shareholders of this company?
Mr. HARCOURTI have no official information as to the directorate of the Astra Romana Company, which is registered and carries on business in Roumania. I understand that the Shell Trading and Transport Company is interested in the Astra Romana Company to the extent of 2,740,000 lei out of a total capital of 60,000,000 lei. It has also an interest as the owner of 40 per cent. of the 1186 capital of the Bataafsche Company which in turn controls the Consolidated Company which owns capital to the value of 37,600,000 lei in the Astra Romana Company. I have no knowledge of how the products of the company have been dealt with during the War.
§ Major HUNTCan the right hon. Gentleman not say what profits of the Astra Romana Company were derived from the sale of products to Germany during the War, and what action the Government propose to take in respect to trading with the enemy and to bring to account those firms who have been guilty of trading with the enemy?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member had better hand in that question.