§ 32. Mr. G. Straussasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now completed his inquiries into the European Press Agency, Limited, and the British Glycerine Company; and whether he can make a statement?
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)It appears as a result of inquiries that the European Press Agency, Limited, was incorporated in October last to finance a paper in Belgium, but no evidence has been found to support the allegation that German funds were offered or would be available to this company. Only a small fraction of the nominal capital of the company, which was £10,000, appears to have been subscribed and the company is now dormant. One of the original directors, a British subject, is now the subject of a warrant for fraudulent conversion in connection with quite a separate transaction. The objects of the British Glycerine Manufacturers, Limited, appear to have no connection with the European Press Agency, Limited. It was incorporated in October, 1Q36, for mak- 1375 ing glycerine, and has not started production. The managing director of this company, a Belgian subject, and two other aliens who stated that they had business to discuss with this company, have been refused leave to land because the immigration officer was not satisfied with the nature of the business which they wished to transact. No other aliens in this country appear to be connected with the management of this company.
§ Mr. StraussIs the Home Secretary quite satisfied with the bona fides of both these firms?
§ Sir S. HoareThat is a very wide question.