§ 2. Mr. Denis Howellasked the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the increased cost to public funds which will result from the exchange of subsidiary companies by Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds and the Delta Metal Company, in view of the extent of Her Majesty's Government's purchase of the commodities concerned.
§ Mr. ErrollI am not aware of any likely increase in the cost to public funds, but if the hon. Member has evidence that the arrangements proposed by the companies will have this result, I shall be glad to consider it.
§ Mr. Denis Howellasked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received from metal merchants regarding the proposed transfer of subsidiaries by the Delta Metal and Guest, Keen and Nettlefold groups.
§ Mr. ErrollThe only representation I have received about these arrangements is a letter dated 16th February from a firm of chartered accountants acting for two metal merchants. This is being considered.