HC Deb 07 August 1919 vol 119 cc546-7
69. Mr. FREDERICK ROBERTS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the practice during the War of wealthy companies having been allowed to issue new capital, issuing shares to their shareholders at face value and the shareholders in turn selling these shares to the general public at enhanced prices; and whether, in sanctioning new issues, the Committee on Capital Issues sought to prevent this particular form of profiteering?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr Chamberlain)

I have no information as to the prices at which holders may have disposed of new shares issued to them during the War. It is not within the province of the Capital Issues Committee to control the selling price of shares after issue.

70. Mr. F. ROBERTS

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will grant a Return showing the issues of fresh capital authorised during the War?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think that such a Return would be worth the very considerable labour and expense involved in its preparation.