HC Deb 06 July 1925 vol 186 cc12-4
26. Lieut.-Commander KENW0RTHY

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been called to the offer for sale of shares of the Bahamas International Trading Company, Limited, which is a company formed, or being formed, to take part in liquor smuggling to the United States of America, the president and two of the directors of which are members of the Bahamas Legislative Assembly; if he is aware that it is claimed that the undertaking benefits from their good offices in their legislative capacity; and whether he will obtain a Report from the Governor of the Bahamas on the facts revealed by the document in question?

25. Mr. JOHNSTON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has called the attention of the Governor of the Bahamas to the statement made in the prospectus of the Bahamas International Trading Company, Limited, registered at 14, Regent Street, London, to the effect that through the good offices of three members of the Legislative Assembly of the Bahamas, who are also members of the board of the company, certain legislation and taxation in the Bahamas has been arranged to facilitate the prospective operations of the company; and whether he has asked for a report on the matter, especially with regard to the nature of the legislative and financial steps referred to?

27. Mr. AMMON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the recently-issued prospectus of the Bahamas International Trading Company, offering 100,000 ordinary shares of £1 each for. the purpose of providing money to deal in intoxicating liquors with a view to the liquors being smuggled into the prohibition territory of the United States; whether he is aware that the company has on its board six members of the Legislative Assembly of the Bahamas, including the president and two vice-presidents; and whether he will call for a report from the Governor of the Bahamas upon the operations of this company?

Mr. AMERY

I am in communication with the Governor of the Bahamas by telegraph in regard to this matter, and have called for a full report by post.

Lieut. - Commander KENW0RTHY

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay the Report on the Table, or send it to me?

Mr. AMERY

I will consider that.