asked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether it is proposed to pay compensation to any of the directors of Short Brothers for loss of office?

No, Sir. It is not proposed to pay compensation to any of the directors of Short Brothers by reason of their having resigned their directorships.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production, who is the present chairman of Messrs. Short Brothers, Limited; and whether he holds any other, and what, appointments or directorships?

The chairman of this company is Sir Frederick Heaton. Sir Frederick is chairman and managing director of Thomas Tilling, Ltd., and chairman or a director of various companies associated with that concern. He is a member of the Inland Transport War Council and is on the board of the Alliance Assurance Company.

asked the Minister of Aircraft Production how much money has been advanced to Short Brothers, Limited?

I am not quite clear what the hon. Member has in mind by "money advanced." If he means a loan, there has been no advance of this nature up to the present. Very substantial sums have of course been advanced by way of progress payments against work in progress. Capital assistance furnished in the form of buildings, plant and equipment held by the Crown and operated by the company and its subsidiary concerns under licence is also substantial. It would not be in the public interest if I disclosed these figures as they would convey information of some interest to the enemy.