§ Mr. Stokesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Supply whether he is aware that Landore Zinc, Limited, récently went into liquidation, owing the Ministry of Supply £1,500; and what is the reason why his Ministry became a creditor of this company?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanMy Noble Friend is aware that the Landore Zinc Company recently went into liquidation. The firm was producing zinc by a special process, and the Ministry of Supply entered into contracts with the company to secure the production on terms which it was considered would enable the company to continue its operations. The company was, however, unable to meet its liabilities arising from this and its other operations and it went into voluntary liquidation. Pending the receipt of certain outstanding claims, the exact financial position between the Ministry and the company cannot be ascertained, but it appears unlikely that the amount owing to the Ministry is as much as that stated.