HC Deb 05 November 1940 vol 365 cc1203-4
58. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in the case of a widow without children in this country who has been in receipt of a widow's pension since July, 1932, is without assets in this country or in Canada, but is desirous of going to Canada where she has a married son who is anxious to receive here there, she would receive payment in Canada of her widow's pension or, alternatively, could have her widow's pension paid into an account for her in this country, so as to be available for her at the end of the war, in Canada, wherewith to repay advances made to her by her son in Canada?

Captain Crookshank

As stated in my reply of 8th October, an individual in the United Kingdom who applies for an exit permit to migrate to Canada is required to sign an undertaking that no funds will be remitted outside the sterling area for his or her maintenance, and that no application for such remittance will be made. This means that, in the circumstances set out by the hon. and learned Gentleman, the pensioner is required, as a condition of the grant of receiving an exit permit, to undertake not to apply for payment of her pension in Canada. It would, however, be payable to an account for her in this country. No undertaking can be given as to when permission would be given to transfer such funds to Canada and it is contrary to the Defence (Finance) Regulations for an individual to promise to make repayment after the war.

Mr. Stephen

In view of the desire and the necessity for a large number of these people to be allowed to go to safer areas, like Canada, could not the Government make an arrangement with the Canadian Government on this matter?

Captain Crookshank

Any further Question had better be put down. It is a technical matter, and I have answered the Question on the Paper.

Mr. Gibson

As there is no question of the transfer of money from this country to Canada contemplated in the alternative branch of the Question, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman encourage those widows who may have pensions and desire to go to Canada to do so, and have their pensions paid into an account in this country?