§ 60. Sir A. MARKHAMasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has had a sight of a circular issued by A. Wilson Peck and Company, Limited, piano and musical instrument manufacturers, stating that this firm was fortunate to hold a large stock of finished pianos at the beginning of the War, and that money spent in this direction helps to support an important British industry, and to the further statement that all the directors and employés of the firm are of British nationality and no shares can be held by alien enemies; and whether, in view that the majority of the shares of this firm are held by alien enemies, he will say what steps he proposes taking to stop this firm making these false statements?
§ Mr. PRETYMANI have seen the circular issued by A. Wilson Peck and Company, Limited, which my hon. Friend has been good enough to send me. Since the beginning of the War the company has altered its articles so as to enable shares held by alien enemies to be compulsorily sold and to be transferred into the name of a trustee pending a purchaser being found. The shares previously registered in the name of an alien enemy have been transferred to a trustee in accordance with these articles. I am asking the Advisory Committee which has been appointed to consider the application of the Trading with the Enemy Amendment Act, 1916, to this case at an early date.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIs it not the fact that at present the majority of the shares belong to Herr Bechstein in Berlin, whether they are in the name of the trustee or not?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThat is what we propose the Committee shall take into consideration.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMWhy should the company make this false statement that the shares are not held by aliens?
§ Mr. PRETYMANIf that is the case we shall know how to deal with them.
§ Sir J. LONSDALEWhen will the Advisory Committee begin their sittings?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThey have been sitting for weeks hearing cases.