§ 18. Mr. Hamiltonasked the President of the Board of Trade what inquiries he has made into the trading activities of the firm, particulars of which have been sent to him by the hon. Member for Fife, West; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir D. EcclesI shall write to the hon. Member as soon as I can.
§ Mr. HamiltonMay we have an assurance that the President of the Board of Trade will take vigorous steps to protect quite humble people from the ravages of the scoundrels who have been running this company, the Master Vending Machine Co. Ltd.? Is he aware that the letter I sent to him two days ago had come from a constituent of mine, an ex-Service man who had put £800, his entire life savings, into these machines, and the managing director has now gone to Italy? Will he give an assurance that the Board of Trade will co-operate with the police in bringing these people to justice?
§ Sir D. EcclesYes, of course I will look into it very carefully, but I have had the letter for only two days. If the hon. Gentleman will give me just a few more days, I will write to him.