§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what contracts with the Government are held by the Burmah Oil Company, Limited; whether he is aware that in the month of December, 1939, that company floated some seven subsidiary companies having the same directors as itself; in what way the creation of these companies affected the contracts held by the parent company with the Government; and whether, in scrutinising the costings relating to those 231W contracts, the books of the subsidiary companies are open to inspection by his or other Government accountants?
§ Mr. ChurchillI am advised that these companies have been formed simply for the purpose of convenience of administration, and such changes do not affect the Admiralty contract for oil in any way.