§ 53. Mr. Norman Bowerasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that certain former employees of the Egyptian Government whose pensions have for many years been paid by the latter into a bank in London and who are permanently resident abroad are now prevented by the Bank of England exchange control department from having the money transferred to them because they are British subjects; and if he will lift the restrictions in these cases and allow the persons concerned to receive their pensions.
§ Mr. JayYes, Sir. My attention has recently been drawn to this difficulty, 3342 which has arisen because Egypt is no longer in the Scheduled Territories. There is no question of the transfer of these pensions abroad being prevented by the Bank of England on the grounds that the recipients are British subjects. Responsibility for the payment of the pensions rests with the Egyptian Government. I understand that the Egyptian authorities are only prepared to make payment in Egypt or in the country of the pensioner's nationality, but not in a third country. Enquiries are being made of the Egyptian authorities and I will communicate with the hon. Member when they are completed.