Mr. GUESTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the De Beers Consolidated Mines Company made a profit during this last completed year of £4,500,000; whether the dividend proposed is 120 per cent, free of tax, equal to over 170 per cent, less tax, on the deferred shares; and whether the Government will consider taking over this profitable business?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe facts appear to be as stated. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.