§ 63. Sir B. Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is aware of the decision of the Libyan authorities to impose a levy on British companies, including one in which Her Majesty's Government have a large shareholding, to be used to finance guerrilla action in the Middle East; and if, in view of the effect of this on British interests in the area, he will seek to have the levy removed.
§ Mr. Luard:I understand that the Libyan authorities have recently introduced a tax on incomes, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the Palestine cause and to the strengthening of the Libyan armed forces. This tax is applicable to Libyans and all foreigners resident in Libya. It is not open to the British Government to influence the use to which particular taxes imposed by foreign Governments are devoted.