§ 107. Mr. BUTCHERasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Clause 6 of the Trading With the Enemy Proclamation of 9th September, 1914, even in its modified form, is causing difficulties in the way of the administration of the Trading With the Enemy (Extension) Act, 1915, and of placing branches in neutral countries of German firms on the statutory list; whether he is aware that this Clause also permits branches in England of German firms to trade in this country and to remit moneys to branches in neutral countries of those firms, and that such moneys may be remitted to or applied for the benefit of these German firms; and whether he will repeal that part of the Clause in question which still remains unrepealed?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Pretyman)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am informed by the Foreign Office that Clause 6 of the Proclamation of September, 1914, causes no difficulty in the administration of the Trading With the Enemy (Extension of Powers) Act, 1915. Under this Act there 1219 is complete power to place a branch of any German firm in any neutral country on the statutory list, and I am informed that that power has been freely exercised. As regards branches in this country of enemy firms the Trading With the Enemy (Amendment) Act, 1916, empowers the Board of Trade to deal with businesses carried on wholly or mainly for the benefit of, or under the control of, enemy subjects. The question of the repeal of the Clause can be considered, and I shall be glad to confer with my hon. Friend as to whether this is desirable.
§ Sir E. CARSONIs my hon. Friend aware that the question of what is a branch has never been decided, and that the Court has refused to decide it?
§ Mr. PRETYMANI am afraid I am not sufficiently learned in the law to answer the question.