§ 18. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a number of American sellers of shares who have landed in this country with the object of inducing investors to purchase shares of doubtful companies; and whether he will consider dealing with these visitors as undesirable aliens?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI would refer my hon. and gallant friend to the answer given yesterday to a question by the hon. Member for Mile End.
§ colonel WOODCOCKHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the publicity given to these cases and the fact that people are suffering, and can he not use his influence to deport these American share pushers?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSPerhaps I had better read the answer which the Under-Secretary gave yesterday: "This matter is under consideration, and it is not desirable for me to make any statement." I have full cognisance of what has appeared in the Press.
§ Miss WILKINSONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that these American shares are at least as dangerous as Russian violinists'?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSWhether share pushing is an amusement or a musical instrument is not clear. We cannot compare one with the other. I did not deport any Russian violinist merely because he played the violin.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENAre not these people obtaining money by false pretences and should not they be prosecuted in the ordinary way?
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLIs it not a fact that these American share merchants have registered offices in the City of London, where they still carry on their nefarious business?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have said that this matter is under my very careful consideration, in consultation with the Chief of Police, and that I cannot answer without the very fullest inquiry.