§ 65. Sir FREDERICK CAWLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether any negotiations have been entered into with Messrs. Levinstein for the purchase or otherwise of their works; and whether, before any arrangement is entered into which would entail the providing of public funds, he will bring the matter before this House for discussion?
Mr. RUNCIMANDiscussions as to the future organisation of the British dye 973 industry have for some time been proceeding with the more important British dye-making concerns, and organisations of dye consumers. Any proposals for further assistance to the industry out of public funds would necessarily be submitted to this House.
§ Mr. J. M. HENDERSONIn any negotiations for the purchase of this business will it be taken into consideration that for many years prior to the War they passed their preference dividend?
Mr. RUNCIMANSo far as the Board of Trade is concerned, we have no idea of making a purchase of the business, but of course if it combines with other concerns, I have no doubt that those with whom they combine will take this relevant fact into consideration.
§ Sir F. CAWLEYIn a time of financial stress is it wise to pay an inflated price for a business?
§ 66. Sir F. CAWLEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the statement of the chairman of British Dyes, Limited, that, although this company had placed before the Board of Trade evidence beyond question of their ability to manufacture indigo, they were not allowed to tender for the works at Ellesmere Port formerly belonging to an alien enemy; whether although they had pressed for reasons for this refusal none could be obtained; and why the firm of Messrs. Levinstein and Company were alone allowed to tender?
Mr. RUNCIMANI would refer my hon. Friend to the answers which I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy Burghs on 19th October and 2nd November, to which I can add nothing.
§ Sir F. CAWLEYIs my right hon. Friend aware that these answers do not answer my question at all?
Mr. RUNCIMANI am not aware of that, but if my hon. Friend will refer to the answers I gave to my right hon. Friend he will see that the whole of the information which I had at my disposal was then given to him and the House. To that, of course, I can add nothing.
§ Sir F. CAWLEYWill my right hon. Friend answer the question whether any 974 reason has been given for not allowing British Dyes to tender?
Mr. RUNCIMANYes; the reason has been given, and it has been given to the board of British Dyes as well.