HC Deb 22 December 1915 vol 77 cc476-7
69. Mr. GOLDSTONE

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any wealthy British subjects have recently transferred their domicile and chief administrative centres of business to a neutral country; and whether, having regard to the fact that restrictions have been placed on the emigration of men of military age, he has taken, or proposes to take, any action to prevent the transfer from this country of wealth which may be required for the successful prosecution of the War?

Mr. McKENNA

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for the Egremont Division on Monday last, of which I am sending him a copy.

Mr. GOLDSTONE

May I remind the right hon. Gentleman that reply did not deal with the second part of my question, which asks what action he proposes to take to prevent the transfer from this country of wealth which may be required for the successful prosecution of the War?

Sir A. MARKHAM

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers, may I ask him about the money transferred from Germany for the purpose of using it for the Hamburg-American Line trading against the British, and sent by the firm of Speyer, now gone to New York?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise.

Mr. GOLDSTONE

What about the second part of my question?

Mr. McKENNA

I am not prepared to take any action.