§ 56. Mr. Radfordasked the Attorney-General what steps will now be taken to recover for charitable purposes the many thousands of pounds sterling of which Harry Clapham, the vicar of Saint Thomas's, Lambeth, became illegally possessed?
§ The Solicitor-General (Major Sir David Maxwell Fyfe)This case is being considered on the lines suggested in the Question, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement.
§ Mr. G. StraussIf the amount is recovered, will it go to the people for whom it was originally intended—the people of this particular parish in Lambeth?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe mode of procedure is being considered at the moment, and the answer to the question of my hon. Friend depends on the results of that procedure.
§ Mr. RadfordIs it not possible to make this man disgorge his ill-gotten gains? Is the position such that there is to be an absolute premium on a man getting away with crooked transactions, serving his term of imprisonment and then coming out and finding the money waiting for him?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe matter is being considered at the moment. I do not think it would be suitable for the results that are hoped for or their chances to be discussed across the Floor of the House while the matter is still under consideration.
§ Sir H. WilliamsWill Income Tax paid on the investments also be restored?