56. Sir F. HALLasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he is aware that previous to the Armistice certain German businesses, plant, and other assets were sold by order and for account of the British Government; and whether, since the signing of Peace, the Germans have been, or will be, permitted to recommence business in this country, and allowed to manufacture and sell proprietary articles under the same name and style as the Government disposed of to English buyers?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANUnder the provisions of the Trading With the Enemy Acts, German businesses, plant, and other assets, were during the War, sold by controllers appointed by the Board of Trade or the Court. Where the goodwill of the businesses was disposed 596 of in such sale, any trade marks of the businesses remaining on the register would be transferred to the buyer. This would prevent their use by the previous owners, who would be equally debarred from making any claim to the goodwill of the business.
Sir F. HALLIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the assets of a concern known as Odol were sold for and on behalf of His Majesty's Government, and that the Germans who owned that business have now received intimation that they are in a position to come back here and recommence business operations, notwithstanding the fact that all those assets have been purchased by English buyers from His Majesty's Government, and what is going to be done in the matter?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI will inquire into the matter, and I hope the hon. Gentleman will give me his assistance.
Sir F. HALLI will repeat this question this day week to give the hon. Member the opportunity of answering it.