HC Deb 14 February 1918 vol 103 cc262-3
41 and 79. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked (1) the Home Secretary whether he can state the number of interned alien enemies who were carrying on businesses prior to the War; whether communications have been sent to the Board of Trade for the winding up of such businesses, or what steps have been taken; (2) the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to the number of interned alien enemies who were carrying on businesses prior to the War, and as to the number of such businesses which have been subsequently wound up?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Wardle)

I have no information as to the number of interned alien enemies who were carrying on business prior to the War, and cannot without considerable investigation give the hon. Member the number of businesses owned by interned enemy subjects which have been wound up, as these have not been classified separately from those cases in which the owners were not interned or were resident in enemy or other countries. I may mention, however, that the Board have been furnished by the Home Office with lists of interned and uninterned enemy subjects who have been interested in businesses carried on in this country. Such lists have been carefully considered, and cases where it appeared desirable have been investigated with a view to determining whether they came within the scope of the statutory provisions as to winding up. In many of the cases on the lists, especially those where the owners have been interned, it was ascertained that the business was no longer being carried on.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Can the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the policy of the House of Commons, expressed in the Act of Parliament, that all enemy businesses should be wound up, is being carried out by his Department?

Mr. WARDLE

All enemy businesses are being wound up where there is any suspicion whatsoever that they are being carried on contrary to the provisions of the Statute.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

Is not the policy of this House, as expressed in the Act, that enemy businesses are to be wound up, and will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that they are all being wound up, big and little?

Mr. WARDLE

Certainly; the Act is being carried out.

Mr. BILLING

Will the hon. Gentleman say, at least, that enemy businesses shall not be allowed to capture the trade of one-man businesses, the owners of which have been called up to serve with the Colours?

Mr. WARDLE

That also is being carried out under the Statute.