§ 96. Mr. ROSEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the amalgamation of Messrs. Vickers, Sons, and Maxim, Limited, and the Metropolitan Wagon Company, Limited; if he can say over how many firms these two companies have already acquired a con trolling interest; whether it is within the power of his Department to prevent the tendency towards a monopoly by certain armament firms; and whether he proposes to take any measures with that end in view?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI am aware of the amalgamation referred to, but have no information as to the number of firms affected. The matter is not one which comes within the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Munitions. For information as to the last three points in the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Board of Trade.