Written Answers To Questions
Greece (United Nations, Consultations)
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what machinery exists for regular consultation between the United Nations on immediate policy affecting Greece; so, whether such machinery was used for securing an agreed policy in that sphere of operations.
The machinery for regular consultation between the United Nations is that provided by the normal diplomatic channels and by the periodical meetings which have been held between the heads of States and Foreign Secretaries, particularly those of the three Great Allies. As the Prime Minister explained in his statement on 8th December, the decision to send British troops to Greece was reached after consultation with the United States Government, and the necessary orders were issued to General Wilson, the Supreme Allied Commander in the Mediterranean, by the Combined Chiefs of Staff. The Soviet Government were also informed of this decision before any British troops were despatched to Greece. Both the United States and Soviet Governments have agreed that Greece falls primarily within the British military sphere.
Ethiopia
Cable And Wireless Limited
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will advise Messrs. Cable and Wireless that the money due by that company to the Emperor of Ethiopia from profits made before the Italian invasion should now be paid over to the Ethiopian Government.
It is not for me to advise Cable and Wireless Limited with regard to their legal liabilities in a matter which has been dealt with by the courts of this country.
British Controls
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the Anglo-Ethiopian Agreement, 1942, has terminated, the Ethiopian railway, which, for the period of the Agreement only, was placed under British military control, has now been restored to Ethiopian control; and whether British troops have vacated the reserved areas which they occupied under the 1942 agreement.
No, Sir. In view of the negotiations now in progress the Ethiopian Government have agreed to maintain the status quo for a further period which has not yet expired.
National Finance
Sterling Liabilities Overseas
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the origin of sterling balances owned by overseas holders and their relation to the National Debt.
I am glad to have an opportunity of explaining to the House the origin and nature of the accumulated sterling liabilities to overseas countries to which reference is made in this Question, and I hope that in doing so I may remove some misapprehensions. These balances, which it is estimated will amount to some £3,000,000,000 by the end of this year, represent the net amounts of sterling which have been acquired by their holders in a variety of ways, the greater part of which, though not all, is directly connected with the war. There are three main headings contributing to the total.
(
a) Government expenditure under heads 2 and 3 above (which will have been duly authorised by Parliamentary Supply Grants) represents a charge on the Budget and since our total Budget expenditure is met partly out of revenue and partly out of borrowings, the expenditure in question contributes to the current increase in the National Debt. ( b) A large part of the total sterling balances arising under heads 1–3 above is, in fact, held in the form of Treasury Bills or other British Government securities (mainly short-dated) forming part of the National Debt. It is only in respect of the cash payable in sterling on the maturity of such securities that any question arises of a direct cash liability on the Exchequer. In many cases, of course, investment under ( b) is the counterpart of borrowing under ( a).
Tithe Recovery
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the Tithe Commissioners are instituting bankruptcy proceedings for the recovery of small arrears in tithe against farmers whose assets greatly exceed their liabilities, with adverse effects upon essential food production; and if, in view of this, he will take steps to see that the Tithe Commissioners find methods of collection of arrears less likely to interfere with food production and the war effort.
I am aware that bankruptcy proceedings may be taken in cases where indebtedness exceeds £50 and the debtor refuses to comply with an order of the Court. There is no reason to suppose that the effect of such proceedings would be adverse to the interests of either food production or to the war effort; but if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind and would let me have details, I shall be happy to look into it in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture. An alternative method of procedure would be an application to the Court on a judgment summons for the committal of the debtor to prison. Bankruptcy proceedings are, however, as a rule, more satisfactory to the Commissioners than committals, and I have no doubt that they are generally less inconvenient o the debtor.
Treasury Claims (Appeals)
asked the Attorney-General the number of cases heard by the House of Lords during the years 1940, 1941, 1942 and 1943; in how many cases were the Treasury contesting parties; and in how many was judgment delivered in favour of the Treasury.
| Year. | Total number of Appeals heard. | Inland Revenue Cases. | Other Crown Cases (other than Criminal). | Successful I.R. Cases. | |||
| 1940 | … | … | … | 28 | 4 | — | 2 |
| 1941 | … | … | … | 38 | 1 | 2 | — |
| 1942 | … | … | … | 34 | 6 | 1 | 4 |
| 1943 | … | … | … | 31 | 6 | — | 3 |
| Total | … | … | 131 | 17* | 3 | 9 | |
| *Note.—In 12 out of the 17 Inland Revenue cases, the Inland Revenue were respondents in the House of Lords. | |||||||
Housing (Dukinfield, Hyde And Stalybridge)
asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that good progress is now being made with regard to post-war housing plans in the Dukinfield, Hyde and Stalybridge districts.
The boroughs of Dukinfield, Hyde and Stalybridge propose to erect 246, 200 and 115 houses respectively in the immediate post-war period. Dukinfield and Stalybridge have sufficient land for the purpose, and I have under consideration an application by Hyde Town Council for confirmation of a compulsory purchase order for the acquisition of a site.
British Army
Christmas Entertainment
asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement on the arrangements for the provision of Christmas fare and entertainment for the troops in the different theatres of war.
In addition to the normal field service ration and the seasonable extras which units provide from their own funds a grant of 9d. a head is being made to British troops overseas for the provision of Christmas fare. Steps have been taken to increase the various kinds of entertainment, including broadcast entertainment, in the various theatres of war.
The following table sets out all cases in which the Crown was a party to the appeal. As my hon. Friend refers to the Treasury, I have shown Inland Revenue cases separately.
Derequisitioned Properties (Repairs)
asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the fact that his Department is returning to owners derequisitioned properties which require considerable repairs and redecoration in consequence of use by the military, before they can be used by civilians, he proposes to pay such owners rent from the time of derequisitioning until such time as they are able to have the work done to render such properties fit for civilian occupation or re-letting.
It is the Department's practice to pay ex gratia and in addition to the statutory liabilities set forth in Section 2 (1) (b) of the Compensation (Defence) Act, a lump sum based on the annual "rental" compensation, to cover the period estimated to be necessary under normal conditions for carrying out the work. This conforms to the practice of other Departments.
France (Enemy-Occupied Ports)
asked the Secretary of State for War what ports in North-West Europe behind the Allied lines are still in the occupation of the enemy and in what strength.
The Germans hold Lorient, St. Nazaire, La Rochelle, Royan (Gironde) and Dunkirk with a total of about 100,000 troops.
Post Office (Registered Mail, Delays)
asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the great delay experienced in the London area in the delivery of registered packages and letters as compared with those not so registered; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused in professional and business circles, he will take steps to accelerate such delivery.
I am not aware of any general delay in the delivery of registered letters in London, though some delay has occurred in the delivery of registered parcels. The hon. and learned Member will realise that letters and parcels sent by registered post require special treatment and take more time, and for this reason it is undesirable to use it for perishable goods at any time of the year. Very heavy use is, however, now being made of the registered post, with consequential demands on Post Office staff and accommodation, both of which are hard pressed. I have appealed to the public to help the Post Office and themselves by using the registered services as sparingly as possible, particularly at Christmas.
Paper Supplies (Moberley Committee)
asked the President of the Board of Trade the names of the members of the Moberley Committee which advises on the use of the reserve of paper supplies.
The names are: Sir Walter Moberley (Chairman) and Messrs. B. W. Fagan, R. C. Holland, R. J. L. Kingsford and W. G. Taylor.