§ LORD PERRYasked His Majesty's Government if they will issue a statement giving the following information:
- (a) The names of all trading companies registered under the Companies Act, or other Acts, (i) which are controlled either wholly or in part by His Majesty's Government, (ii) in which His Majesty's Government or its nominees hold investments, or (iii) in respect of which His Majesty's Government possess the right to nominate directors.
- (b) The names of all persons nominated by His Majesty's Government to serve as directors or officials of these companies, their qualifications for such employment and the remuneration paid to each.
747 - (c) The nature of the business carried on by each of the companies in question.
- (d) Which of the companies concerned is registered as a profit-making enterprise and whether their trading activities have resulted in profits or losses.
The LORD CHANCELLORInquiries have been made into the possibility of tabling the information desired by the noble Lord. The investigation necessary to furnish it fully and accurately would be extensive and the time and labour involved would not appear to His Majesty's Government to be justified in present conditions. Apart from that, however, the disclosure of particulars of companies assisted or controlled by His Majesty's Government cannot fail to be of assistance to the enemy. His Majesty's Government cannot, therefore, undertake to supply the information desired; but if the noble Lord has any particular case in mind I will undertake to consider what information can be privately supplied to him.