HL Deb 15 May 1957 vol 203 cc781-2

2.46 p.m.

VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they can elucidate the position of British subjects holding National Savings Certificates bought in Egypt who now want to cash them in Great Britain—

  1. (a) if the certificates are physically in a bank in the United Kingdom;
  2. (b) if the certificates are physically in a bank in Egypt.]

THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)

My Lords, I have personally considered my noble friend's question very carefully. I am sorry to have to tell him that I have formed the opinion that both of the cases be poses in the Question raise serious and difficult questions of law which might become the subject of litigation in the courts. In these circumstances, I do not think that it would be proper for me to express an opinion upon them.

VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

My Lords, I thank the noble Viscount for his Answer, and I think that in consideration of what he has said I can ask no more.

VISCOUNT THURSO

My Lords, may I ask whether there are any other countries where British subjects buying these certificates may find it doubtful whether they are entitled to cash them when they want to do so? If there are such countries, ought it not to be published and made known to everyone that they buy certificates in these countries at their own risk and may not be able to get their money back when they want it?

VISCOUNT HAILSHAM

I did not say that it was doubtful here.