§ 68. Mr. GWYNNEasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his Department have place orders with the International Paint and Compositions Company, Limited, formerly known as Holzapfel, Limited, and their subsidiary companies, the Sunlight Enamel and Paint Company, Limited, and the British Aeroplane Varnish Company, Limited; whether the firm Holzapfel, Limited, was struck off the Admiralty list; whether it has now been restored under the name of the International Paint and Compositions Company, Limited, together with its subsidiary companies; whether these companies are managed by Mr. Bertie Ward, formerly Mr. Bertie Holzapfel, and Mr. Theodore Ward, formerly Mr. Theodore Holzapfel; whether much of the detail work is done by a naturalised German named Mempel; and if there are other firms more British in origin who are equally capable of carrying out contracts for the Government?
§ The CIVIL LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Pretyman)The firm of Holzapfel, Limited—now the International Paint and Compositions Company, Limited—was suspended from the Admiralty list pending inquiries, and their name has not yet been restored. The Admiralty has been informed that all the directors of the company are natural-born British subjects, and it is understood that Mr. Maempel has severed his connection with the firm. As regards the last part of my hon. Friend's question, it has been ascertained from the Board of Trade that the management, staff and shareholding of the International Paint and Compositions Company, Limited, are almost entirely British. The firms mentioned as subsidiary companies do not appear to be known to the Admiralty.