§ 20. Mr. SHORTasked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Pataling Rubber Estates, Limited, proposed to pay a final dividend of 160 per cent. less Income Tax, which would make the dividend for the year 1919 250 per cent. in all; and, if so, whether he will recommend investigation under the Profiteering Act?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANI was not previously aware of the matters referred to in the question. At present no investigation is being made into the rubber trade, and it is not proposed to recommend the investigation of an isolated company. I would point out that in so far as rubber is sold by auction, it is outside the scope of the Profiteering Act.