HC Deb 01 August 1922 vol 157 cc1244-6
29. Mr. SEXTON

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the case of Paul Nicklos, of 3, School Street, Aintree, Liverpool. an alien of Polish birth, resident in this country for the past 30 years, who alleges that his Post Office savings of £100 has been con-fiscated by his Department to pay enemies' debts, and that this was the reply he received on sending his pass hook to London; and, if this complaint is well founded, whether he will state upon what grounds he has adopted such a course?

The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Kellaway)

In accordance with the Treaty of Peace Order, 1919, particulars of this account was notified to the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts and, upon application by that office, the balance standing in the account was transferred to it. When the depositor communicated with the savings bank he was informed of the action taken, and any application he may wish to make in the matter should be addressed to the Controller of the Clearing Office.

Mr. SEXTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man's identity bill as a member of a free nation was issued to him previous to the Treaty of Versailles, and is he also aware that the £104 confiscated represents his life savings, and under the circumstances can the right hon. Gentleman justify departmental garrotting of that character?

Mr. KELLAWAY

This is a matter in which I had no discretion. I had to act in accordance with the Act of Parliament to which I have referred.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is there not very wide discretion in hard cases of this sort, such as married women, and have not many wealthy people benefited under it? Why is this poor man robbed in this mean way?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I have acted in accordance with the Act of Parliament, and I have no discretion at all.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

You have.

Mr. SEXTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man is not a German, but a member of a free nation, Poland, separate altogether from Germany?

Mr. KELLAWAY

Any representations of that kind should be made to the Committee appointed under the Act to deal with the matter.

Mr. SEXTON

Who are the Committee, and where are they?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I have already given the names of the Committee.

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

Is it not a fact that where representations are made to this Committee, if the points are proved, the Committee does give amelioration in cases such as that put forward by the hon. Member?

Mr. KELLAWAY

I believe that to be so, but obviously it is not a Post Office question. I have to act in accordance with the Act of Parliament.