HC Deb 18 November 1941 vol 376 cc182-3
66. Mr. Silverman

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the precise sum transferred recently by licence of the Treasury to Marshal Pétain; whether the licence covers any future or periodic payments, or will for that purpose be renewed; what is the name of the Canadian company concerned; and whether the approval of the Canadian Government was sought or obtained to the transfer?

Sir K. Wood

The licence covered the instalments of the annuity of £6oo due for the half years ended 25th July, 1940, 25th January, 1941, and 25th July, 1941, and future instalments. In reply to the third part of the Question, the contract which was entered into in 1937 was with the London Office of the Confederation Life Association, a Canadian company. The reply to the last part of the Question is in the negative. The transaction was one for which the United Kingdom Government had to take the responsibility.

Mr. Silverman

In the light of those answers, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the considerations which led him to give this exceptional treatment were really sound and withdraw the licence before the transfer of the money?

Sir K. Wood

No, Sir. The matter has recently been considered by the Government, and I stated their considered judgment last week.

Mr. Silverman

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain what is the difference between this exceptional accommodation to Marshal Pétain and lending aid and comfort to the enemy?

Sir K. Wood

I ventured to give the reasons for the decision of the Government last week.

Sir W. Davison

Why do the Government think it justifiable to allow money to go out of the country to Marshal Pétain in France when, at the same time, it is impossible to send money to the United States and the Dominions?

Sir K. Wood

I have dealt with that consideration.

Captain McEwen

Will the withholding of this money do anything to assist us to win the war?

Dr. Russell Thomas

Does it go out in the form of goods? How else can we pay?

Mr. Silverman

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.