Oral Answers to Questions — National Finance – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 16 December 1947.
Mr Peter Freeman
, Newport (Monmouthshire/Gwent)
12:00,
16 December 1947
asked the Chancellor of the exchequer whether he is aware that two pound notes were enclosed recently in a letter by an old age pensioner in Newport to her daughter in Canada, who was in urgent need of help at Christmas for her six children; that this money was confiscated by the Customs Authorities, although a letter was also enclosed explaining that it was a free gift for the children; and whether he will authorise its repayment to the grandmother concerned or allow it to be sent for the benefit of the children in Canada.
Sir Stafford Cripps
, Bristol East
I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll) on 9th December. I could not agree to the notes being sent on to Canada, but they are being returned to the sender.
Mr Peter Freeman
, Newport (Monmouthshire/Gwent)
Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this matter has aroused such sympathy in Canada that the Deputy Minister of the Treasury in Ontario has offered to make good the impecuniosity of this country? Will he consider allowing such small amounts to be sent to relatives under such circumstances, as has been the practice for many years?
Sir Stafford Cripps
, Bristol East
We certainly cannot allow such sums to be sent abroad, although I am delighted to hear of the action of the Canadians.
Sir Edward Keeling
, Twickenham
Is it the custom to return the notes in such circumstances or was an exception made in this case?
Sir Stafford Cripps
, Bristol East
It depends on the circumstances of the case.
The chancellor of the exchequer is the government's chief financial minister and as such is responsible for raising government revenue through taxation or borrowing and for controlling overall government spending.
The chancellor's plans for the economy are delivered to the House of Commons every year in the Budget speech.
The chancellor is the most senior figure at the Treasury, even though the prime minister holds an additional title of 'First Lord of the Treasury'. He normally resides at Number 11 Downing Street.
Ministers make up the Government and almost all are members of the House of Lords or the House of Commons. There are three main types of Minister. Departmental Ministers are in charge of Government Departments. The Government is divided into different Departments which have responsibilities for different areas. For example the Treasury is in charge of Government spending. Departmental Ministers in the Cabinet are generally called 'Secretary of State' but some have special titles such as Chancellor of the Exchequer. Ministers of State and Junior Ministers assist the ministers in charge of the department. They normally have responsibility for a particular area within the department and are sometimes given a title that reflects this - for example Minister of Transport.
