8 and 16. Major NEWMANasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he has any knowledge of Wambach and Company, manufacturers of catgut and sausage-skins, and with businesses in their own or other names at Barking, Colchester, Ipswich, Glasgow, and, before the War, at Harwich and Yarmouth; has he been able to ascertain if the owners are naturalised or not; and have any of them been interned since the outbreak of hostilities; (2) if he will ascertain the nature of the business carried on at Barking, either for himself or another person, by Wilhelm Wambach; is Wilhelm. Wambach a naturalised citizen; and was he at one time interned at the Alexandra Palace?
Sir A. STANLEYThe businesses carried on under the name of Wambach and Company were inspected by order of the Board of Trade made in April, 1917. The businesses at Barking, Colchester, and Ipswich are owned by four brothers of German origin, three of whom have been naturalised, while one, referred to as William Wambach, is a German subject. The business at Glasgow is owned by one of the brothers who is a naturalised British subject. These businesses have all been placed under supervision. I understand that the partner who is a German subject was interned in July, 1915, but has subsequently been released on licence. My information does not show in what camp he was interned.
Major NEWMANHave all these businesses been acquired since the War or were they in the possession of these people before the War?
Sir A. STANLEYI think it would be correct to say, though I say it with some reserve, that all were in their possession prior to the outbreak of war.
Major NEWMANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this particular firm is trying to acquire more businesses of the same nature in order to get a combine?
Sir A. STANLEYYes; I am quite aware of it. If I remember rightly, the hon. and gallant Gentleman raised the question a day or two ago, and we took all steps to prevent it.