§ 21. Lieut-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what amount of Treasury stock has been issued as compensation to colliery-owning companies; and which companies have so far received this compensation.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe amount of Treasury stock which has been issued as compensation to colliery companies up to the present time is £19,039,500. I am advised that it would not be in the public interest to publish a list of the companies to which the issues of stock have been made.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonWill my right hon. Friend explain how the interest of the public or of the shareholders is served by the conspiracy of silence that veils the identity of the companies receiving this money? Is he asserting that hon. Members of this House are not entitled to have this information?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIt was believed that at the present stage publication of the figures might prejudice the valuation of particular interests by the district valuation boards, which have to put a value on the assets to be paid. For that reason a specific pledge was given to the companies that the details would not be divulged.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs my right hon. Friend aware that one company at least has disclosed the fact that it is receiving this compensation? Why, therefore, cannot the other companies be put in the same category?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerBecause the other companies do not want it to be done. If one company has done it, that is their own affair.