§ Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of state for India whether he is aware that the Hollandia Rice Milling Company, Limited, Rangoon, was at the beginning of the War deemed by the Government of Burmah a hostile firm and placed under control; that it was found that shares in the company were held by a German firm and by a Dutch firm trading in Germany; that one of the directors was resident in an enemy country; whether he is aware that irregularities were discovered; that on 4th May, 1917, it was notified in the "India Gazette" that the firm was to be wound up, but that on or about 1st June the Government of India suspended the liquidation and cancelled its previous orders; whether he will state the reason for such cancellation; and what representations were made, and by whom, to induce the Indian Government to take such a step?
§ Mr. HERBERT FISHERSo far as the Secretary of State's information goes the facts are generallly as stated in the first three parts of the question. He has no information that irregularities took place while the firm was trading under control. The business was ordered to be wound up on the 5th May, but on representation from the Netherlands Government this order was withdrawn on the 9th June. The Government of India then reported that the company was being allowed to carry on business pending discussion regarding its possible reconstruction. Further inquiries are being made as to the future position of the company.