§ Sir R. COOPERasked the President of the Board of Trade how many shares are held by enemy aliens in Falk, Stadelmann, and Company, and what proportion they bear to the total number issued; and when these shares will be sold and whether by public tender or private treaty?
§ Mr. PRETYMAN78,477 shares, representing one-fifth of the issued capital of Falk, Stadelmann and Company, Limited, are held by enemy subjects. The date and method of their sale are under con sideration.
§ Sir R. COOPERasked the President of of the Board of Trade whether all enemy businesses are sold by public tender or not; and, if not, what circumstances determine whether such businesses are disposed of by public tender or private treaty?
§ Mr. PRETYMANEnemy businesses are not in all cases sold by public tender. Where it is in the public interest to ensure that the business should be sold only to a purchaser who is specially qualified to-continue the business, or where the number of possible purchasers is very limited, a sale by public auction or tender may not be practicable.