HC Deb 04 March 1918 vol 103 c1714
51. Mr. BILLING

asked the Prime Minister whether he will call upon all members of His Majesty's Government to make a statutory declaration as to the investments, if any, which they may hold themselves, or through the medium of a nominee, in any company or trading concern the directors of which are not in all cases British subjects; and whether he will lay the Papers in this connection upon the Table of the House?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Mr. BILLING

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House some reason for this answer being in the negative, and will he consider the advisability of redeeming all Ministers' investments in foreign securities, out of the Treasury if necessary?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The best reason I can give for the answer I have just given is that I begin by assuming that everyone is honourable until the reverse is proved.