§ 73. Captain CAZALETasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the appointment of a receiver to the Leckhampton Quarries. Limited; what steps the Treasury took before sanctioning the loan of £110,000 of public money to this concern; and whether, in view of the financial failure of the company, he will grant a full and impartial inquiry into the matter?
§ Mr. McNEILLI am aware that a receiver has been appointed in this case. The guarantee of debenture capital to a total of £100,500 was given on the recommendation of the Trade Facilities Act Advisory Committee. The reply to the third part of the question is in the negative.
§ Sir F. WISEMay I ask whether the Government have a first charge on these quarries?
§ 74. Captain CAZALETasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury 1201 whether he is aware that certain officers sent in their papers and commuted their pensions to invest money and obtain work in the Leckhampton Quarries, Limited; and whether, in view of the fact that these officers have now lost their occupations and their money, any consideration will be given to the possibility of granting them redress?
§ Mr. McNEILLI am not aware what redress is possible for the officers in the circumstances stated. It is obvious that they have no claim against the company's creditors, of which the Government is one.