HC Deb 11 July 1918 vol 108 cc513-4W
Major Sir S. SCOTT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether British subjects interned in Germany receive rent direct from German subjects for any premises or land owned by them in Germany and rented by Germans?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have not up to the present been able to obtain any information as to this, but I am causing further inquiries to be made.

Sir S. SCOTT

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that British subjects occupying premises or land owned by Germans interned in this country have to pay rent direct to the enemy subjects; and whether, in view of the provisions of the Trading With the Enemy Act, he now can give advice as to the course which ought to be pursued by these British subjects, as hitherto all applications to the Treasury for advice have failed?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is impossible for the Treasury to offer advice as to whether such payments should be made or withheld, the question being one for the Courts to decide. The only action taken by the Treasury in the matter is to make sure that no money should reach enemy countries.