HC Deb 30 October 1952 vol 505 cc2103-4
43. Mr. K. Thompson

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he has refused the application of Mr. E. Kennett, of Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, for permission to make remittances to his wife in Germany for the support of herself and her child.

The Minister of State for Economic Affairs (Sir Arthur Salter)

Foreign Exchange is not normally granted to enable United Kingdom residents to maintain their families abroad, and Mr. Kennett has not so far supplied evidence which would justify giving him special treatment.

Mr. Thompson

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that this man has gone to great lengths to satisfy the Treasury that he has no alternative but to have his wife living in Germany because he cannot get accommodation for his family here, and must find some means of maintaining them there? Will my right hon. Friend look at all the facts sympathetically?

Sir A. Salter

I should be glad to look at all the facts if they are really supplied. I have seen this correspondence and no convincing case has been made at present. If, however, further information is supplied I shall be happy to look into it.

Mr. Fernyhough

Does not the Minister think there is something indecent in a Government standing between a man doing his Christian and moral duty to his wife and his children?

Sir A. Salter

The Christian duty in this case appears to be to send his wife into another country without sufficient evidence being brought before us to indicate that it is really necessary. I think the point is a very unreal one.