THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, I beg leave 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 public money has been used to bribe Swiss bank officials; and, if so, to what Vote it has been charged.
THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (EARL JELLICOE)My Lords, there is provision in the Treasury Vote for the years 1971–72 of £5,000 for awards for information leading to the prevention of offences under the Exchange Control Act. I do not think it would be right to disclose whether a reward has been given in any particular instance.
THE EARL OF SELKIRKMy Lords, does this Vote include the use of corruption as a method of gaining this information? As we are joining as a 2 partner in Europe, is there not a more civilised way of ensuring the observance of the Exchange Control Act?
EARL JELLICOEMy Lords, I do not think I can accept the assumption lying behind the first part of my noble friend's supplementary question. On the second part of his question, I consider it is right for Her Majesty's Government, when they believe that the law of this country is being infringed, to take necessary measures to prevent it.