§ 69. Mr. G. FABERasked the Chan cellor of the Exchequer on what dates, respectively, the Controller took over the Deutsche Bank, the Dresdner Bank, and the Disconto-Gesellsehaft; what notice these establishments received that they would be so taken over: who has appointed the employés of the said establishments, dismissed them, and paid their salaries since those dates; and whether, since those dates, any steps have been taken to prevent the Germans or others employed there from making copies of the books or papers of the said stablishments, and to whom those books and papers now belong?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe German banks were in the possession of the police from the 7th August, 1914. On the 7th or 8th August the banks were informed orally by the Treasury that a licence would be issued empowering them to pay off non-enemy creditors and to collect outstanding debts for this purpose. The Controller 785 received his formal appointment from the Treasury on Monday 10th August, 1914, and appointed on the same day official supervisor for each bank. The licences issued by the Home Office were dated 10th August, 1914.
The appointment of employés, their dismissal and the payment of their salaries, rests with the management of the banks, and all expenses have been borne by the banks. No larger staff is employed than the official supervisors consider necessary.
Neither the Controller nor the official supervisors nor their representatives who are throughout each day on the banks' premises, and who exercise the closest control, have any knowledge or ground of suspicion of employés making copies of books or papers. All books and papers are on the premises of the banks, and will remain there until the properties are sold and their subsequent custody is arranged for.
§ Mr. McKENNANo, he would not have independent power. The control of the banks rests with the Controller, who has put in supervisors who are in daily and constant attendance.
§ Mr. GWYNNEWould the Government have done anything towards shutting these banks if the House had not insisted upon it?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf I may say so, that is a most improper question.
Mr. SHIRLEY BENNHave not these banks brought in money from outside sources to pay their debts since the controllers took charge?
§ Mr. McKENNAThey brought into the banks the moneys owing to them, in order to pay off the non-enemy creditors of the banks.
§ Mr. FABERWould the right hon. Gentleman give directions to the controller, if he thinks it necessary, to take very particular care about the books and papers, which are a most vital matter to the future?
§ Mr. McKENNAI should like to tell my hon. Friend that personally I have complete confidence in Sir William Plender, who has done his business admirably, and 786 I am sure there is no man of higher standing in the City of London than he. I think the House may rest confident that he is taking every necessary step in order to secure British interests.
§ Mr. PRINGLEHow many people have threatened to withdraw their business from Sir William Plender because of his doing this work for the Government?
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs he not a servant of the Government, and as such would he not act as the Government direct; if the Government told him to shut these banks would he not be in a position to do so; and, if the Government do not tell him to do so, is he in a position to shut them?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe banks are closed, and have been closed since 4th August last. If the hon. Gentleman desires British creditors not to be paid, I can tell him I am in entire disagreement with him.