HC Deb 22 March 1917 vol 91 cc2049-50
41. Major NEWMAN

asked if the Horst-man Bank, the property of a naturalised alien, the Baroness Deichmann, is still carrying on its business; if so, what is the exact nature of the business and what control or supervision by the Board of Trade is exercised over its dealings; and is the Baroness Deichmann sole proprietor?

Mr. ROBERTS

So far as I am aware, the business of Horstman and Company is still being carried on. The owner of the business is the Baroness von Deichmann, a British subject and of British birth. There are two salaried partners, both British subjects, but I understand that they have no proprietorial interest in the business. The nature of the business is that of merchants and bankers. It is not being carried on under the control or supervision of the Board of Trade, but the books and documents were some time ago inspected under an Order of the Board.

Major NEWMAN

What was the result of the investigation of the Board? Did it disclose anything?

Mr. ROBERTS

Nothing unsatisfactory.