HC Deb 31 July 1916 vol 84 cc2043-4
9. Mr. CROOKS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether twenty-six cases of French polish, stencilled Flash point 73 degrees F., were shipped by the "Kaisar-i-Hind" to Bombay on the 13th August, 1915, by the Germanowned firm of Messrs. Conrad Schmidt and Company, Limited (F. A. Glaeser), of Carpenters Road, Stratford, when the actual flash point of the contents of the case was 28 degrees F.; if so, whether he is aware that as shipping companies generally speaking, refuse to take varnishes unless the flash point is 73 degrees or above, British firms who observe strictly the regulations are unable to ship similar goods to India, and are thereby put entirely out of the Indian market by such dishonest declaration; and will he say what action he proposes to take?

Mr. HARCOURT

I am informed that a consignment marked as indicated in the first part of the question was shipped as stated, but my inquiries do not confirm the statement as to the actual flash point of this French polish. I am aware that there is reluctance on the part of shipping companies to take varnishes with a lower flash point than 73 degrees. The enemy interest in the firm in question is being vested in the Public Trustee.

Mr. TICKLER

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this firm has exceptional facilities with regard to licences for export?

21. Mr. TICKLER

asked whether the shares in Conrad Schmidt (F. A. Glaeser), Limited, now vested in the Public Trustee, will be offered by auction or otherwise disposed of; and, in the event of the interests being acquired by another company or syndicate, will the present management be allowed to be retained?

Mr. HARCOURT

The Public Trustee informs me that he is not at present prepared to say whether he will offer the shares in Conrad W. Schmidt (F. A. Glaeser), Limited, by auction, and anyone desiring to purchase the shares should place themselves in communication with him. The constitution of the company will be altered so as to prevent foreign control in the future, and the management will rest with the new shareholders.

Mr. G. TERRELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether there is anyone now in negotiation for the purchase of these shares?

Mr. HARCOURT

I do not know whether there is.

31. Mr. CROOKS

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Company of India have entered into a contract with a German-owned firm, Messrs. Conrad, Schmidt, and Company, Limited (F. A. Glaeser), for the supply of part of their requirements of varnish for the year 1916, notwithstanding that there are many British firms capable of supplying such requirements; whether he is aware that it is well known in the varnish and paint trade that the said German-owned firm have since the War started made it their special practice to obtain their business at prices below fair competitive figures; and, if so, will he say what action he proposes to take?

The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Chamberlain)

I understand from the board of the company that an order was placed by their agent in India with a person who actually was, but was not at the time known by the agent to be, the representative in Bombay of the firm mentioned. Instructions were given in May, 1916, to prevent further orders of that nature.