§ 9. Sir R. COOPERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Otavi Mines and Railway Company, Limited, is still conducting its business in the United Kingdom, although its address is given in the usual sources of information as being at No. 31, Unter den Linden, Berlin; whether it is described as a German colonial limited company by charter of the bundesrath; whether the secretary is Mr. C. Larmspach and Mr. Edmund Davis is sole director; and what is its London address?
Sir A. STANLEYThe Otavi Mines and Railway Company, Limited, is a German company registered in Berlin with a London address at 1, London Wall Buildings. Before the War the secretary was Mr. C. Launspach and Mr. Edmund Davis was the only director in this country, there being six directors in Germany. An investigation at the London office showed that no business has been carried on here, and that the London office had only been used for the purpose of issuing reports and giving information to British shareholders.
§ Sir C. HENRYIs this really an English company or a German?
§ General CROFTHas this particular company been referred to the Committee for winding up German businesses?
§ Sir C. HENRYIf it is a German company, why do they want a secretary in this country?
Sir A. STANLEYSo far as I know, the only reason is to give information to British shareholders in London.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill the right hon. Gentleman consider if the provision for winding up companies essentially German in the British law can be applied to German companies?