§ 101. Mr. LUNDONasked whether, seeing that charges and attacks have been made, both in the House of Commons and outside it, during the past year and a-half, against the British Petroleum Company, on the pretext that portion of its shares are held by aliens, he will take care in dealing with such charges that of those who make them, as well as the newspapers which lend their columns for such objects, are not actuated by a desire to promote the interests of other petroleum companies; and, in sifting and inquiring into such charges, will he see that private and financial interests be not allowed to interfere with those to whom the task is entrusted?
§ Mr. PRETYMANI can assure the hon. Gentleman that the public interest is being and will be alone considered in dealing with the British Petroleum Company, Limited.
§ Mr. SCANLANMay I ask whether it is a fact that at present this company is under the control of a Public Trustee?
§ Mr. PRETYMANYes, Sir; the whole of the estates of the British Petroleum Company are vested in a Public Trustee, and are being managed by gentlemen specially appointed by the Board of Trade to see that the whole operations of the company are conducted in the public interest.