HC Deb 23 October 1941 vol 374 cc1899-901
42. Mr. McEntee

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give an assurance that in any legal proceedings that may be taken in case T. 1193/6/38, Inland Revenue, he will arrange to call ministers of religion, who have a wide knowledge of the facts, and who are willing to give to the court evidence on oath concerning those facts, and that he will raise no bar to the case being heard in public, in view of the fact that large sums of public money are involved?

The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)

I have been asked to reply. An originating summons has been issued in the Chancery Division in the case to which the hon. Member refers, the purpose of which is to obtain a decision as to the objects to which, upon a proper construction of the trust deeds, the trust funds may be lawfully applied. The evidence must, of course, be limited to the issues raised and might not include the evidence which my hon. Friend has in mind. I am myself a party as Attorney-General to these proceedings and have the matter under consideration at the present time, including the point raised by my hon. Friend. In accordance with the usual practice the summons will be heard in open court.

Mr. McEntee

If the right hon. and learned Gentleman will not have it submitted to court, will he himself hear the evidence of these reputable clergymen who are willing to give evidence and have expressed their willingness over and over again; and is he aware that this matter was laid before the present Chancellor of the Exchequer and the previous Chancellor of the Exchequer, that frauds have been going on persistently for a number of years, and that an attempt is being made to whitewash the person involved, who is paying between £40,000 and £50,000 himself in Super-tax?

The Attorney-General

I cannot of course accept the hon. Gentleman's allegations on a matter which is sub judice. I can assure him that I will certainly consider all the information in the possession of the Crown in this case and see that all proper evidence is brought before the Court.

Mr. McEntee

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman take steps himself to see that this case is heard in public, if it is possible to do so? Why is it being hushed up?

The Attorney-General

I resent the suggestion that anything has been hushed up.

Mr. McEntee

It has been going on for three and a half years.

The Attorney-General

I resent the suggestion that anything has been hushed up. If people have been defrauded by anyone, the courts are open to them. They need not obtain the sanction or the leave of the Crown. They can take steps to have their grievances redressed, and I resent any suggestion that the matter has been hushed up. If the hon. Member had listened to my answer, he would have heard my statement at the end of it that, in accordance with the usual practice the summons will be heard in open court.