§ 52. Sir Hugh O'Neillasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will explain the circumstances under which a sum of £65 was appropriated and confiscated by the Treasury from Mr. M. H. McMurtrie, an ex-Serviceman who had served throughout the war, on the occasion of his repatriation to Brazil in March, 1946.
§ Mr. DaltonThis man was caught trying to smuggle money out of the country, contrary to the Defence (Finance) Regulations.
§ Sir H. O'NeillIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this money was, roughly, the amount of this man's Service gratuity, and is it not a very savage punishment to inflict upon him to seize this money without any process of law, and, apparently, without any right of appeal?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir. I think that this is a thoroughly bad case. The man had £65 on his person, and, when asked, he said he had £4. He told a lie, and the money was forfeited—I think quite rightly.
§ Sir H. O'NeillIs it not human nature to err, and can the right hon. Gentleman search his heart and say that he has never gone through the Customs and made a false declaration?
§ Mr. DaltonNo, Sir. I would not make any extravagant claim of that kind, but I think that, if I was caught as this man was caught, I should deserve to get what he has got.