HC Deb 24 November 1949 vol 470 cc528-30
59. Mr. Bartlett

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in order to limit the possibilities of blackmail or other abuses, he will refrain from making payment to an informer about offences under the Exchange Control Act unless he is satisfied that the said informer is prepared to give evidence in court in any case that may result.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Glenvil Hall)

No, Sir. The evidence of such a person may not be relevant; and in any event my right hon. and learned Friend would not be prepared to give any such undertaking.

Mr. Bartlett

While I hope the right hon. Gentleman appreciates that the last thing I want to do is to allow contemptible people to make money out of the country's difficulties, surely he will admit that this system gives every possible incentive to blackmailers, and that something should be done to prevent it?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

On the contrary, a blackmailer usually looks for his reward to his victim, not to the person to whom he has given information. It would be a good thing if the House could get this matter into its proper perspective. The Prime Minister has indicated that these are not powers which any Government use willingly or gladly, but that they are essential at the present time and no Government can afford to relinquish them.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by saying, in his answer, that the evidence of these people may not be relevant? Surely he is not paying this money to informers for evidence which is not relevant?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I was dealing purely with the evidence, not the reward.

Mr. Stanley

Is the right hon. Gentleman giving rewards to people who are only able to give irrelevant evidence?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

There is a Question appearing later on the Order Paper which, if reached, may clear up the point the right hon. Gentleman has in mind.

Major Legge-Bourke

In view of the considerable concern about this matter, will the right hon. Gentleman consider publishing, in the Monthly Digest of Statistics, the amount paid by way of rewards?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

That information has been given, and the Prime Minister gave additional figures a few moments ago. In any case, surely Members opposite believe in incentives.