§ Sir J. HARMOOD-BANNERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to continue the prohibition on electric manufacturing companies in this country from competing in the purchase of enemy trading concerns, cable, electric, and otherwise, unless they give an undertaking that they are not members of the Cable Makers' Association; and will he say what is the intention in thus reducing the possible number of purchasers and also the price, and preventing an equal opportunity of all manufacturers to bid?
§ Mr. PRETYMANThere is no such general prohibition as is suggested in the hon. Gentleman's question, but in two special eases the Board of Trade, after consultation with one of the Departments which is largely interested as a purchaser of electric cable, came to the conclusion that it was in the public interest that the competition which at present exists in the cable-making industry should be maintained.
Sir H. DALZIELasked whether any and, if so, how many of the liquidators of enemy firms in this country have been. finally released from their duties?
§ Mr. PRETYMANNo controller of an enemy business has yet been granted his release, but, as I have previously stated, the liquidations are complete in fully half the number of cases, apart from the collection of outstanding book debts.