24. Vice-Admiral Taylorasked the President of the Board of Trade the reason for the delay in carrying out the investigation into the affairs of the Gaumont British Corporation, and whether he can give an assurance that this will be instituted as soon as possible?
§ Mr. CrossAn inspector was appointed on 31st January, 1939, to investigate the affairs of this company. The investigation was begun immediately thereafter and is still proceeding.
§ Mr. CrossThis investigation is one of great difficulty and complexity, and it may very well take a very considerable time before any report is made.
Vice-Admiral TaylorIs it not the fact that it is now more than a year since his right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade first intimated that there would be an inquiry into the affairs of the American-owned company, and that nothing has happened so far?
§ Mr. CrossThere are many good reasons for that delay, among which I might mention one occasion on which the applicants themselves asked for postponement pending discussion with the Ostrers, and a further occasion on which there was litigation on matters covered by the application between the Associated British Picture Corporation and the Ostrers. And there are other reasons.