§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer who were the directors of Johnson Matthey Bankers at the time of the rescue operation mounted by the Bank of England; and if any of these persons are currently holding directorships or other positions of responsibility in any firm or organisation in receipt of public funds.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThe directors of Johnson Matthey Bankers at the time of the rescue operation mounted by the Bank of England were:
- Mr. E. G. Pateman (Chairman).
- Mr. P. D. F. Varrall (Deputy Chairman).
- Mr. R. G. Wheeler (Managing Director).
- Mr. P. J. C. Firth (Deputy Managing Director)
- Mr. P. J. K. Smith.
- Mr. I. R. Fraser.
- Mr. J. J. Shaw.
- Mr. I. J. Thornburn.
The executive directors were Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Firth, Mr. Smith and Mr. Fraser. Mr. Shaw and Mr. Smith continue to be directors, but the other six were obliged to resign.
I regret that the further information requested by the hon. Member is not readily or fully obtainable, and could in any case be provided only at disproportionate cost. The main reasons for this are that no central register is kept of firms and organisations in receipt of public funds, and former directors of recognised banks or licensed deposit-taking institutions are not obliged to inform the authorities of their directorships.