THE MARCONI ENQUIRY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 70, 31 March 1913, Page 8

THE MARCONI ENQUIRY.

TRANSACTIONS OF MINISTERS

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.)

London, Atarch 29

There was a crowded attendance at the sitting of the Marconi Enquiry Committee. Sir Rufus Isaacs admitted that Mr Lloyd George and the Master of Elibank had made a further purchase of 3000 Shares in the American Company. He had not referred to this in the “Matin” case, because, to do so would have transgressed the rules of evidence.

A searching examinaton of Sh Rufus Isaacs, which lasted eleven hours and a half, has now been con clu'ded.

Mr Lloyd George gave evidence that ho and the Master of Elibank purchased 3000 shares on May 22nd at 13s and sold some at 03s lid. They still held 1643 shares. The net result was that he lost £SOO. Ht added, emotionally, “I am a comparatively poor man, and the whole of my present investments only yield, me £4OOO annually.”

Air Lloyd George also gave evidence that it was made absolutely clear tc him that the American Company had no interest in the English company’s, contract with the Government, and no question of indiscretion entered his mind. The transaction was perfectly clean and straightforward.

When questioned respecting the standard for public men laid down in his “Caesar’s wife” speech upon Air Joseph Chamberlain in December, 1900, be said he was quite prepared to he judged by the principles he then laid down. He threatened that, if ht were examined on that debate, lit should have to go into the whole busi ness.

Air Lloyd George further stated that he thought the Postmaster-General had got the best of the bargain witi. the Marconi Company. The with drawal contract .would not affect the American Company’s profits or shares,