§ 39. Sir RICHARD COOPERasked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the uncertainty which exists on the subject, he can state definitely that the Swansea Vale Spelter Works are owned entirely by British-born subjects; whether the proprietors are endeavouring to establish in this country an industry formerly largely confined to Germany and controlled in all parts of the world by German firms; and can he say that there is no imputation on Mr. Tilden Smith either as to his nationality or as to his bona fides?
§ Mr. PRATTYes, Sir; the answer to all parts of the question is in the affirmative, subject to the single qualification that the Board of Trade have no definite information as to the nationality of origin of a number of small shareholders who hold altogether less than 6 per cent. of the issued shares.