HC Deb 25 June 1928 vol 219 cc29-31
38. Mr. KELLY

asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the firms of stockbrokers who were employed by the clearing office of the Enemy Debts Department and the dates when these firms were appointed?

Mr. WILLIAMS

The firms of stockbrokers employed by the Department for the Administration of German, Austrian, Hungarian and Bulgarian Property are:—

  • Messrs. Williamson, Fawcett and Stirling, who were first employed on the 8th November, 1921;
  • Messrs. Kerr, Ware and Co., who were employed by the Public Trustee as 30 Custodian of Enemy Property and continued by the Administrator of German Property from January, 1925;
  • Messrs. Godfray and Co., who were appointed on the 7th December, 1925; and
  • Sir R. W. Garden and Co., who were appointed on the 16th May, 1928.
In addition, orders to sell bearer securities are given to the Bank of England, and executed by the Bank's brokers. Messrs. J. P. Morgan and Co., New York, who were first employed in February, 1923, sell American securities.

Mr. KELLY

Are these stockbrokers still engaged in the service of the Enemy Debts Department?

Mr. WILLIAMS

Yes.

Colonel WOODCOCK

Is it a permanent appointment, and could the hon. Gentleman say who appointed them?

Mr. WILLIAMS

The appointment can only be for the time that the Department is in existence. They have been appointed for the time being, and they will continue to act as long as they give satisfaction.

39. Mr. KELLY

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of employés who were engaged in the Enemy Debts Department in June, 1926, 1927, and 1928?

Mr. WILLIAMS

The total staff of the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts employed in London and abroad on the 1st June, 1926, 1927, and 1928, was 914, 729, and 598 respectively.

40. Mr. KELLY

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the officer now engaged as Controller of the Clearing Office Enemy Debts was appointed to that post?

Mr. WILLIAMS

The present Controller of the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts was appointed on 1st January, 1926, after serving in that office as Secretary, and later Deputy-Controller, since the 31st October, 1919. Prior to his appointment to the Clearing Office the Controller had had over 27 years' service in the Bankruptcy Department of the Board of Trade.

Mr. KELLY

Does this Controller hold any other appointment?

Mr. WILLIAMS

He holds no other public appointment.

Mr. KELLY

Does he hold any private appointment of profit?

Mr. WILLIAMS

Yes, I understand he does.

Mr. KELLY

Is it with the approval of the Board of Trade that the Controller of the Department is holding another office of profit, which may interfere with his work in the Department?

Mr. WILLIAMS

It is within the knowledge of the Board of Trade that he holds the office of chairman of a building society; he has always held that office with the full knowledge of the Board of Trade. So far as I am aware, there is no conflict between his two sets of duties.

Mr. KELLY

Has any inquiry taken place as to whether or not his second position interferes with his duty, and whether the time occupied by his office as Controller has been interfered with?

Mr. WILLIAMS

There has been nothing in the nature of a formal inquiry. Allegations were made that there was some conflict, and on investigation it was shown they were quite unfounded.