HC Deb 06 August 1940 vol 364 cc34-6
63 and 64. Mr. Davidson

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether he can now say whether any restriction was placed on Mr. Davis, pianist to Miss Gracie Fields, when he left this country recently, affecting the amount of money to be taken out; and, if so, the amount allowed;

(2) whether any restriction was placed on Miss Gracie Fields when she left this country recently, affecting the amount of money and the value of jewellery to be taken out; and, if so, the amount and value allowed, respectively?

Captain Crookshank

I apologise for the length of my reply. No permission was sought by Miss Fields or by Mr. Davis, when they left this country recently, to take money abroad, beyond the small amount, namely, £10, prescribed in the Regulations. The restriction on taking out jewellery, which was imposed on 1st July, did not exist when Miss Fields left the country. Applicants for foreign exchange have often to supply to the authorities very full details of private affairs, and the House will agree with me that, as a general rule, particulars of foreign exchange granted in individual cases should not be published; but in this case I think it is right to state the full facts of the matter.

In October of last year, Miss Fields, who was recovering from a serious illness, applied for a considerable sum in dollars to go abroad. This application was supported by a strong medical recommendation. It was decided that the sum asked for was excessive, but permission was given for a sum of £8,000. This was a large amount, but the circumstances were unusual; and it was expected that Miss Fields, after her recovery, would earn dollars in America which would be surrenderable to the State. Miss Fields was also granted a sum for the support of her parents in the United States, and a further sum to meet life assurance premiums payable in America under a pre-war contract; these allocations were in accordance with normal practice.

In view of the marriage between Mr. Banks and Miss Fields which took place before she recently left this country, and in order to give the complete picture, I think it right to state also the facts in his case. In October Mr. Banks also applied independently for the transfer of roughly £20,000 to America. Mr. Banks' nationality was, at that time, very obscure, but it was decided to treat him as a resident in this country liable to surrender to the State any dollar surplus arising from his business. His application was allowed on business grounds to enable him to carry on his business as a film producer in the expectation that considerable dollar earnings would be surrendered for our benefit. These expectations not having been realised, the decision was not justified by the event, but Mr. Banks remains liable to account for his dollar balances.

In April, 1940, when Mr. Banks and Miss Fields returned to this country, they were at once approached for a statement of account in respect of the dollars which had been allotted. It was made clear that no further exchange would be granted until an account had been rendered. A statement was furnished on behalf of Miss Fields, and a promise was received from Mr. Banks on the 31st May to render an account, but he left the country without doing so, and, without applying for or receiving any allocation of exchange.

Mr. Davidson

May I thank the right hon. and gallant Gentleman for his long and informative reply, and ask him whether during his investigations he received any information with regard to thousands of pounds' worth of diamonds that were bought from the firm of George Music and Sons, of 39, Holborn Viaduct, E.C.1; and is it not true that the principals in this Question have left practically no assets in this country after enjoying its generosity for so many years?

Captain Crookshank

I know nothing about those allegations. I have given a full reply in this case, very much fuller than would be normal, on the points for which the hon. Gentleman asked for information.

Mr. Davidson

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman accept this from me and make inquiries with regard to these allegations?

Mr. Gallacher

And take action?

Captain Crookshank

I have already explained that so far as jewellery is concerned, this gentleman and this lady left the country before there was any restriction on taking it out. That was embodied in my reply.