§ 33. Captain WRIGHTasked whether the War Office has during the War made any contract or contracts with the Nestlé and Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company for the supply of condensed milk or other products, and what are the terms of such contract or contracts; and if, before making any such contract, the War Office, in view of the fact that the above company is a Swiss company whose headquarters are in Switzerland and shares are in the form of share warrants to bearer, made any inquiry as to the holders of the company's shares, and, if so, were satisfied that none of the company's shares were held by enemy holders?
§ Mr. FORSTERContracts have been made with the company in question, but it is contrary to the practice of the Department to disclose the terms. I understand that, as stated in the question, the company's share capital is in the form of share warrants to bearer, and there appears therefore to be no means of ascertaining whether any of its shares are at present held by enemy holders.
§ Captain WRIGHTAs it is known that this company has made very large profits would the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the terms of the contract can be given to the House?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir. I think my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that it is impossible to disclose the terms of individual contracts.