HC Deb 15 October 1940 vol 365 cc600-1
54. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what instructions he has issued, having regard to the decision of an extraordinary general meeting of the members of the Great Boulder Proprietary Gold Mines, Limited, to transfer the domicile of the company to Australia?

61. Mr. Mander

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he proposes to take with regard to the Great Boulder Proprietary Gold Mines, Limited, which has transferred its quarters to Australia, contrary to his wishes?

Sir K. Wood

An application has been received from the liquidators of the Great Boulder Proprietary Gold Mines, Limited, for the consent of the Treasury, under Regulation 6A of the Defence (Finance) Regulations, to the transfer of the business to an Australian company. The application is under consideration, and I hope to be able to give a decision very shortly.

Mr. Bellenger

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the report of the extraordinary general meeting at which a resolution was passed which means, in fact, that the assets of this company will be transferred to Australia? Can the right hon. Gentleman say that under no circumstances, at any rate during the present emergency, will he permit that?

Sir K. Wood

I have just said that I will give this particular case my consideration and an early decision. I dare say the hon. Member is aware that there is now a Treasury Regulation which gives power to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to prohibit anything of the kind he has in mind.

Mr. Mander

Is it not the case that this company acted in defiance of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's wishes in this matter?

Sir K. Wood

Yes, Sir. I made a request to the company not to go forward with the resolution pending my consideration of the matter, and that was not done.

Mr. Bellenger

Would the right hon. Gentleman give an indication when he hopes to be able to make a decision?

Sir K. Wood

Within the next few days.

Mr. Mander

Will the Chancellor make it clear that he cannot be defied with impunity?

Sir K. Wood

indicated assent.