HC Deb 27 July 1938 vol 338 cc3078-9
8. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Prime Minister whether arrangements have been agreed with the Government of Germany to enable British subjects, formerly resident in Austria and who now wish to live in Great Britain, to transfer the proceeds of their Austrian property to British currency?

Mr. Butler

British subjects formerly resident in Austria who wish to transfer money abroad from former Austrian territory can do so on the same conditions as British subjects wishing to transfer money from any other part of Germany.

Sir A. Knox

Does the hon. Member realise that a constituent of mine lately resident in Austria has communicated with the Foreign Office, and while receiving a sympathetic reply, was told that he stood to lose 85 per cent. of his property? In view of the fact that there are some 40,000 Germans resident in this country, could not inquiries be made with a view of securing a degree of reciprocity?

Mr. Butler

I have had some correspondence with the hon. and gallant Member on this particular case, and I would call his attention to the fact that there are provisions in cases of special hardship and certain new provisions under the terms of the recent Transfer Agreement with Germany.

Mr. Riley

Can the hon. Member say what are the conditions under which British nationals can transfer property?

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