§ Colonel J. R. Hutchisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the proposal of the French Government to apply a tax known as Impot de Solidarite to British nationals who hold shares in French companies; and if he will make representations to the French Government on this matter.
Mr. McNeilThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, as the hon. and gallant Member is doubtless aware, however, the point raised by him is but one of many covered by the Imp6t de Solidarité Nationale. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom do 231W not propose to make official representations to the French Government on the question of the general principle involved. They intend, however, to discuss in the near future with the competent French authorities various aspects of the Decree under review, including certain features of the point raised by the hon. and gallant Member, with a view to ensuring that the British interests concerned are granted not less than national treatment.