§ Sir B. PETOasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that com-
1478Wreferring to the companies operating beet sugar factories, showing the general financial position of the companies as at 31st March, 1930, the issued capital, loans, and debentures outstanding, capital expenditure, depreciation written off, any preliminary expenses written off, and any accumulated surplus; and the details of the guarantees to these companies under the Trades Facilities Acts?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe following statement shows the general financial position of the beet sugar factories and particulars of the guarantees of capital under the Trades Facilities Acts, as at 31st March, 1930:
£ Issued Capital 4,658,140 Loans and Debentures Outstanding (c) 2,635,622 Total Capital Expenditure to 31st March, 1930 8,407,548 Depreciation Written Off 2,328,781 Preliminary Expenses Out-standing (a) 56,792 Accumulated Surplus (b) 1,901,639 (a) Particulars of amounts of "Preliminary Expenses Written Off" are not available.
(b) Before the deduction of sums for the payment of dividends in respect of the year ended 31st March, 1930.
(c) Including Guarantees to Beet Sugar Companies under Trades Facilities Acts, the details of which are as follow:
plaints have recently been made by the Liverpool Steamship Owners' Association of the burden on shipping of the Suez 1479W Canal dues at the rates now charged, amounting to 13 per cent. of the gross freights outwards and homewards; and whether, in view of the profits made by the Suez Canal Company during recent years of increasing depression in shipping, he will move the directors on the board of the Suez Canal Company who represent the British Government to endeavour to secure a reduction in the dues now levied?
§ Mr. W. GRAHAMI have been asked to reply. I am aware that complaints have recently been made regarding the dues which are being charged on the Suez Canal, and I am in consultation with the shipping interests on the matter.