HC Deb 16 May 1950 vol 475 cc1002-3
54. Mr. Walter Fletcher

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made towards the settlement of a reciprocal agreement between France and Great Britain on double taxation.

Sir S. Cripps

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his Question on this subject on 25th April, 1950, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Fletcher

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that his reply now, as then, gives the impression that there is some difficulty on the French side, whereas the facts are that this is held up solely because it is the wish of his Department that this good and equitable means of getting reciprocal trade going is being frustrated?

Sir S. Cripps

The hon. Gentleman is completely and absolutely wrong, as he might have known if he had studied the records. We enter into a great number of these agreements, and we are anxious to enter into them wherever we can. It is not a question of holding it up.

Mr. Fletcher

But that is no reply to my question. In this particular instance, is it not the fact that the hold up is due to the action of the Chancellor and not of the French?

Sir S. Cripps

No. It is an ordinary negotiation which is proceeding in the ordinary way.

Mr. Fletcher

In view of the entirely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this on the Adjournment at an early date.