HC Deb 19 June 1918 vol 107 c349
72. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the President of the Board of Trade how much money in the form of dividends or otherwise, deposited with the Public Trustee under the Trading With the Enemy Act, has been remitted by him to Switzerland or other neutral countries; and what is the average monthly amount still being remitted?

Mr. BALDWIN (Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury)

The amount already remitted by the Public Trustee to neutral countries is £385 6s. 2d. for account of enemy subjects and £2,127 13s. 11d. for account of persons who are not enemy subjects. The average monthly remittance to neutral countries for account of enemy subjects is now about £52 for purpose of maintenance. Remittances to persons who are not enemy subjects arise from special circumstances and no monthly average can be stated.

Sir R. COOPER

Can the hon. Gentleman say why any money, however small, should be allowed to go out of the country on account of enemy subjects?

Mr. BALDWIN

I shall be very pleased to answer in Debate, but it is rather a long question.

73. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any instructions have been given by the Public Trustee to secretaries of British companies to remit dividends and interest on stocks and shares belonging to enemy aliens to them direct so long as they give an address in neutral countries?

Mr. BALDWIN

The answer is in the negative.