52. Sir H. DALZIELasked the Prime Minister whether Mr. Chauvin, managing director of Siemens, who are Government contractors, is a German naturalised since the outbreak of the War; whether his name was previously Von Chauvin; whether, on the winding up of the business as an enemy concern, it was a condition of purchase that Mr. Chauvin's services should be retained; whether, in view of the close relations of this firm to the Government in the production of war material, he will consider the possibility of employing a manager who was British-born; and whether Mr. Chauvin was also a director of the Deutsche Bank?
Sir A. STANLEYThe Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. Mr. Chauvin, whose name was previously von Chauvin, is of German birth and has been naturalised since the outbreak of war. So far as I am aware he has never been a director of the Deutsche Bank. On the sale of the shares of Siemens Brothers and Company, Limited, there was no condition with regard to the retention of Mr. Chauvin's services, and the agreement under which he now acts as managing director of the company was, I understand, entered into by the new directors appointed by the purchasers of the shares.
Sir H. DALZIELWill my right hon. Friend answer that part of the question which asks whether there is no person of British birth who can do this important and delicate work?
§ Sir E. CARSONIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that the purchase was a real purchase, and not a sham purchase, in order to keep the same German manager?
Sir A. STANLEYI am perfectly clear on that point. The sale of these shares was a bonâ-fide transfer. The company is thoroughly British, and is bound by the model Clause, which ensures that it shall permanently remain British.
Sir H. DALZIELHas the right hon. Gentleman the authority of the Public Trustee for stating that it was not a condition that the services of this man should be retained?