§ 40. Mr. David Adamsasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Jerusalem Controller of Foreign Exchange is directing a Mr. Zulman Eisenstadt, of 23, Masbir Street, Tel Aviv, in a letter numbered T. 18449, dated 16th October last, that he should insist on receiving the whole of a foreign legacy devised to him, not waiving any portion thereof for the destitute widow and heirs, and demanding that the money of the legacy be sent to him in the currency of the foreign country; and under what provision the Controller has power to interfere with private family dispositions?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanMy Noble Friend has made inquiries of the High Commissioner for Palestine, from which it appears that Mr. Eisenstadt was required, in accordance with the law, to comply with the provisions of the Defence (Finance) Regulations regarding the surrender of assets in foreign currency. The question of his rights to any such assets under private family dispositions was not raised in the communication to which my hon. Friend refers.
§ Mr. AdamsDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is a hardship and an injustice to prevent this private individual from leaving a portion of his funds to a necessitous widow?
§ Mr. MacmillanIt may be a hardship, but it is one I cannot deal with, because it was not raised in the communication which I have seen.