HC Deb 29 November 1917 vol 99 cc2222-3
69. Major HUNT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount of British capital invested in the following companies: the Austrian Skoda Gun and Ammunition Works, Krupps, Limited, the North German Lloyd Shipping Company, and the Hamburg America Shipping Company?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The return made to the Custodian, in accordance with the requirements of the Trading with the Enemy Proclamation of the 7th September, 1916, discloses the following total amounts invested by British subjects resident in the United Kingdom in certain enemy companies:

The Austrian Skoda Gun and Ammunition Works £8,333
Krupp's, Limited £2,980
The North German Lloyd Shipping Company £31,172
The Hamburg-American Shipping Company £49,244

Major HUNT

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to find out whether there are any Bolos among these investors?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have no doubt that important point was considered, but to me the amount seems rather small, considering that at the time the investments were made there were no obvious reasons to anticipate war.