§ 27. Mr. FIELDasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been directed to the profits of the Hain Steamship Company, which, in 1914–15, paid a 20 per cent. dividend, carried forward £7,681, after £160,000 had been written off for depreciation of steamers and investments; whether he is aware that for the year ending 30th June, 1916, the amount of profit, after making provision for war taxation, was £486,025, to which has to be added £20,755 for interest on investments and £7,681 brought forward; whether he is aware that it is proposed to place £200,000 to depreciation account, £50,000 to an insurance fund, £50,000 to repairs and renewal account, £20,000 as a war bonus to employés, and pay a dividend of 35 per cent. for the year, and carry forward £5,635; whether, in addition, £200,000 4½ per cent. debenture bonds were paid in December, 1915; and whether, in view of this and similar shipping companies' reports, the Board will adopt some measure to limit profiteering in high freights?
Mr. HARCOURTThe statements of my hon. Friend with regard to the profits of the Hain Steamship Company are, I understand, in substantial accordance with the company's report and balance sheet. I am unable to add anything to my reply to my hon. Friend of 26th July, and the replies to previous questions on the subject of the profits of shipping companies.