§ 51. Mr. BURNETTasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the three official directors of the Suez Canal Company, representing the British Government as a large shareholder in the company, keep a running check upon maintenance costs; and whether it is part of their duty to report to His Majesty's Government on those costs?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAA constant check upon the expenditure of the Suez Canal Company, including maintenance costs, is exercised by the Management Committee of which the Resident British Official Director is a member, and by the Finance Commission of which the other two British Official Directors are members. It is part of the duty of the Official Directors to report to His Majesty's Government on everything connected with the management of the company to which they consider that it is desirable to draw attention.
§ Mr. BURNETTHas His Majesty's Government received such a report from the directors?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI must have notice of that question.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLIf the Government are satisfied that the maintenance costs are kept low, what accounts for the abnormally high dues charged?