§ 60. Dr. ADDISONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that at the extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the White Star Line on 7th March it was disclosed that there was nothing to show for a sum of over £6,000,000 except further liabilities of over £3,000,000; and whether, in order that in the near future some protection may be afforded to the capital of the legitimate investor, he is prepared to take any action to afford the public the protection suggested?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am not clear what suggestion for the amendment of the Companies Act the right hon. Gentleman has in mind, but if he will let me have some specific proposal I will consider it.
§ Dr. ADDISONHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been drawn to the shareholders' meeting where they specifically asked for this protection on the part of the Government?
§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEIs it not a fact that houses for the working-classes 563 which cost £1,000 when erected under the Addison scheme can be erected to-day for £450?
§ Mr. THORNEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the shareholders of this company demanded that the company should be wound up compulsorily, and can he give any reason why the Chairman refused to allow that to be done?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid that I am not answerable for the doings of the Chairman, but, if the hon. Gentleman has any suggestion to make, I shall be very glad to consider it.
Mr. WESTIs it not a fact that ships were taken over from the Australian Commonwealth in order to show how much better private enterprise could deal with them?