§ 15. Mr. GILBERTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government have invested any capital in any British sugar-producing factories or companies; if so, what companies and what amounts; whether the same is secured by debentures, or what form of shares the Government hold; and what dividends, if any, they have received on such investments?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI have been asked to reply. The Government holds 250,000 ordinary £l shares in Home Grown Sugar, Limited, a company incorporated on 13th February, 1920, and has advanced £125,000 on a second mortgage on the company's lands and factory subject to a first mortgage of £75,000 and a prior charge of £40,000 for cash advanced by the company's bankers. No dividend has been paid on the ordinary shares held by the Government, and the mortgage interest for the half year ending 12th February last is due for payment.
§ Mr. LEONARD LYLEWas a committee appointed to inquire into the results of this company's working, is there a report, and, if so, are we likely to have it shortly?
Sir A. BOSCAWENYes, Sir, a committee was appointed and I shall be glad to send a copy of the report to my hon. Friend.