§ 7. Mr. PENNEFATHERasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Admiralty have during the last three years made any important purchases of cotton or cotton Waste from any firm in this country of which any of the partners are of enemy birth; and, if so, will he state the name of such firm and the total amount of business transacted with them?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe firms on our list are, I am advised, all firms who were placed upon the list pre-war, and, of course, after careful investigation as to their capability and financial standing. So far as we are aware, the answer to my hon. Friend's question as to any of the partners being of enemy birth would appear to be in the negative. But I am making closer inquiry.
§ Mr. PENNEFATHERHave contracts not been given for cotton waste to a firm the very name of which indicates enemy origin?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot say. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me the facts.