HC Deb 27 November 1916 vol 88 cc5-6
5. Major HUNT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the number of enemy businesses or companies in this country which have been sold by the Public Trustee or the Board of Trade under the Trading With the Enemy Acts; and in how many of such cases the name of the purchaser, the conditions of sale, and the price have, previous to the sale, been submitted to and approved by any independent Committee advising the Board of Trade?

Mr. PRETYMAN

The number of businesses within the provisions of Section 1 of the Trading With the Enemy Amendment Act, 1916, in which either the property has been sold by a Controller appointed to wind up the business or the enemy-owned shares have been sold by the Public Trustee is approximately 200. Particulars as to the sale have not been submitted to any Committee before an offer has been accepted, but in a few cases the Advisory Committee appointed under the Trading With the Enemy Amendment Act have made suggestions as to the persons to whom the property might be offered.

Mr. PEMBERTON BILLING

How many enemy businesses are there in this country?

Mr. PRETYMAN

We have dealt with rather over 600.

Mr. BILLING

Is it the intention of the Government to close all these businesses during the War?

Mr. PRETYMAN

All enemy businesses are being dealt with. If the hon. Member studies the Act he will see exactly what we are supposed to do and that is what we are doing.

6. Major HUNT

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any Committee advising the Board of Trade has considered the claims of our Russian, French, and Belgian Allies to 49½ per cent. at least of the shares of the British Petroleum Company, Limited, the Petroleum Steamship Company, Limited, and the Homelight Oil Company, Limited; and whether such Committee has advised that these claimaints should be excluded from participating in the shares of the three companies and denied the remedy which would cut off their association with the Germans and give the Russian, French, and Belgian claimants full protection over the assets of the Germans in the three companies?

Mr. PRETYMAN

This question has not been referred to any Committee, but is being dealt with administratively.