§ 57. Mr. MANVILLEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that permission is being refused to manufacturing companies in this country to export capital to foreign countries for the purpose of establishing branches in these foreign countries to develop the trade of these British manufacturers in these countries abroad; and will he say that special attention shall be given to such applications for the export of capital and that sanction shall not be unreasonably withheld?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINSpecial consideration is given to applications for licences under Defence of the Realm Regulation 4lD for capital remittances for purposes such as are referred to in the question. Each application must be dealt with on its merits, and no general licences can be given. The necessary consent has been granted in a number of cases, and there is no ground for the suggestion that it is unreasonably withheld.
§ Mr. MANVILLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a year ago an identical answer was, I think, provided by the Leader of the House, his predecessor as Chancellor of the Exchequer, to a deputation I had the honour of leading to him, when evidence was forthcoming that unreasonable withholding was a fact? Is it not possible that at the present time and in these circumstances the consent may be unreasonably withheld?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have no reason to think that consent is unreasonably withheld; on the contrary, I have reason to think it is not. As to the reference to the answer given by my right hon. Friend, I 770 hope the hon. Gentleman will not make it a subject of complaint that two colleagues at the distance of a year are giving the same answers.
§ Mr. MANVILLEIn explanation of my question, may I furnish the right hon. Gentleman with the names in one or two cases where consent has been with held?
Colonel L'ESTRANGE MALONEAre these restrictions going to be completely withdrawn on the ratification of Peace?