§ Sir J. HARMOOD-BANNERasked whether it is the intention of the Government to enforce the liquidation of the Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank, Direction der Disconto-Gesellschaft, and similar alien enemy financial institutions shortly after the declaration of peace, and to take steps to prevent such alien enemy financial institutions, or any agents acting directly or indirectly on their behalf, carrying on any business in this country in future?
Mr. HARCOURTThe institutions referred to in the question are at present prohibited under the law relating to alien enemies from carrying on any banking business in this country except the completion of transactions entered into before the outbreak of war, so far as these transactions would, in ordinary course, have been carried out through or with their London establishments. It would be premature to make any statement at the present moment as to whether and, if so, under what conditions they will be allowed to resume business after the conclusion of peace.