§ 13. Wing-Commander Hulbertasked the Minister of Supply and of Aircraft Production if he will state the value which his Department places per share on their holding in Messrs. Shorts (Rochester), Limited; and how today's valuation compares with the price paid to the original shareholders.
§ Mr. WilmotThe price paid to the original shareholders, being the subject of arbitration, has not been finally settled; nor has any present-day valuation been placed on the shares, there being no present intention of selling the Ministry's holding in this company.
§ Wing-Commander HulbertDoes not the Minister think it desirable that he should let the public know what their shareholding in this company is now worth? Secondly, will he consider publishing annual accounts?
§ Mr. WilmotIn order to arrive at the worth of the shares it would be necessary to make a revaluation of the whole business. Since there is no intention of parting with the shares the work and cost involved would not be justified.
§ Wing-Commander HulbertWill the Minister agree that the value of this concern is now very much less than it was when it was under private enterprise?
§ Mr. WilmotCertainly not, Sir.