HC Deb 28 June 1916 vol 83 cc837-8
50. Major HUNT

asked the Prime Minister if he can state why about 400 German firms are still allowed to do business in this country?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Harcourt)

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The work of eliminating enemy interests in businesses carried on in this country, whether by Orders under Section 1 of the Trading With the Enemy Amendment Act, 1916, or by vesting Orders under Section 4 of that Act, is proceeding with all possible rapidity. It is proposed shortly to issue a statement showing the nature and extent of the work of the Board of Trade's Advisory Committee in this matter. It will be realised that each case must necessarily receive close investigation in order that injury to British interests may be minimised. In the meantime all the more important businesses not dealt with in the above manner have been placed under supervision, and steps are being taken to extend supervision to the remainder.

Sir E. CARSON

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether these 400 German firms have any permits or licences from the Government?

Mr. HARCOURT

I do not know whether 400 is an accurate figure, but I will obtain the information if the right hon. Gentleman will put down a question.

Major HUNT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only 200 firms have been rubbed out in nearly two years by the Government, and is he aware that the tenderness shown continually by the Government to Germans and German firms is making people think that there is an unseen hand somewhere behind the Government?