HC Deb 09 December 1941 vol 376 cc1387-8
55 and 56. Captain C. S. Taylor

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1), how much money from the Lord Mayor's Fund for Finland was exported to Finland before Germany's attack on Russia, during the period between Germany's attack on Russia and the Finnish intervention and after the Finnish intervention respectively;

(2), whether permission was obtained by those responsible for the Lord Mayor's Fund for Finland to export money to Finland; and, if so, whether the permission is still effective?

Sir K. Wood

Permission was given in December, 1939, for subscriptions to this Fund to be placed at the disposal of the Finnish authorities in sterling, as and when received and was available to them for purchases in this country or conversion into the currency of other countries. The subscriptions received up to 22nd June, 1941, amounted to £153,260. No subscriptions were received after the 22nd June, 1941, and none can now be received.

Captain Taylor

What is to happen to the balance of the fund? Is it to be returned?

Mr. Shinwell

Was any of the money sent from this country after Finland committed an act of aggression on Russia?

Sir K. Wood

I am not sure, but I will look into it and inform the hon. Gentleman.

Sir George Broadbridge

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there never has been a Lord Mayor's Fund for Finland, and, that being the case, the Lord Mayor has never been in a position to export any money?