HC Deb 24 February 1948 vol 447 c1762
47. Mr. Keeling

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether permission will be given to British subjects who are members of long standing of the Union Interalliée, Paris, to remit their annual subscriptions to France.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir Stafford Cripps)

No, Sir. I regret that in present circumstances we cannot afford to allow the remittance to all destinations of annual subscriptions to societies of this kind. I am, however, prepared to allow such subscriptions to countries with which arrangements for holiday travel are concluded.

Mr. Keeling

In view of the good work which this club does in fostering allied amity, may we have an assurance that the Chancellor consulted the Foreign Secretary before giving his answer?

Sir S. Cripps

I did not personally consult the Foreign Secretary, but this is a matter with which we have been dealing for some time, and the decision is quite definite

Mr. William Teeling

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there are some clubs in France with many members in this country which have arrangements with the Treasury whereby subscriptions can be paid here? Could not something be done for the Union Interalliée on those lines?

Sir S. Cripps

I am aware that for certain learned and technical societies there are special arrangements, but they do not cover clubs of this type.

Mr. Drayson

Can the Chancellor say whether the trade union movement in this country is allowed to pay subscriptions to clubs abroad?