HC Deb 11 July 1939 vol 349 cc2048-9
44. Vice-Admiral Taylor

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all the books and accounts which he desires to examine have been placed at the disposal of the inspector appointed by the Board of Trade to investigate the affairs of the Gaumont-British Picture Corporation, Limited; and whether the investigation is proceeding with all possible speed?

Mr. Stanley

Certain documents and accounts, for which the inspector has asked, have not yet been placed at his disposal, but I understand that the matter is under discussion between the inspector and the directors of the company. Mean-while, the investigation is proceeding, though progress was interrupted for some weeks owing to the books being required for the company's annual audit.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Have the books which have not been supplied to the inspectors been those relating to subsidiary companies?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir, I understand that that is so, but discussion is going on, and I cannot say that inspection has been refused.

Mr. Stanley

I cannot pretend that the directors of the company have been as helpful to my inspectors as I expected them to be.

Mr. Bellenger

Has not the inspector power to insist?

Mr. Stanley

There are powers in the last instance to go to the court, and the court can determine what books the inspector is entitled to have.

Sir Reginald Clarry

Has the inspector been refused anything he was entitled to receive?

Mr. Stanley

I have already answered that question.