§ 67. Sir HERBERT WHITELEYasked the Minister of Munitions whether any public money has been advanced to the Shropshire, Worcestershire, and Staffordshire Electric Power Company; if so, how much; is it contemplated to advance any further sums; if so, to what amount; if he is aware that the promoters of this company were originally a German syndicate ;and whether men of German nationality are still on the directorate of the parent company?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Sir Worthington Evans)Up to the present £120,000 of public money have been advanced to this company. It is anticipated that a further loan, not exceeding £80,000, will be needed to complete the extensions which are required to meet urgent war demands. So far as I am aware there is no truth in the statement that the promoters of this company were originally a German syndicate. I understand that the present directors are all British-born 1554 subjects, with the exception of one gentleman who was born in Saxony and became a naturalised British subject in 1881.
§ Major BOWDENCan the hon. Gentleman give any sufficient reason why national funds should be advanced to this company?
§ Sir W. EVANSYes; because the power is required for urgent war purposes.
§ Major BOWDENHave the powers yet been granted by this House to advance the money and for the extension of this company?
§ Sir W. EVANSMy hon. Friend should understand that this is a loan made to enable this country to produce power which is required for munition works and other urgent war purposes.