§ 86. Mr. TICKLERasked the President of the Board of Trade if the business of Conrad W. Schmidt (F. A. Glaeser), Limited has yet been vested in the Public Trustee, as recommended by the Advisory Committee; and is that Committee aware of the fact that there are in London at least twelve firms who manufacture and can supply all the articles made by this firm and who employ British capital and British labour only?
Mr. HARCOURTThe right to transfer the shares held by enemies in Conrad W. Schmidt (F. A. Glaeser), Limited, has been vested in the Public Trustee, who will now sell those shares to British subjects, with the result that the capital in the business will be British. The Committee had information before them that there are British firms which carry on a similar business, but they came to the conclusion that the business is one which it is desirable to maintain and that the shares should be sold instead of an order being made to wind up the business.
§ Mr. TICKLERWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the present German management will be continued?
§ Mr. GEORGE TERRELLMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the shares are to be offered at public auction or how they will be sold?
Mr. HARCOURTThat I cannot say. I should have to ask the Public Trustee, and I will do so if the hon. Gentleman wishes it.