CZECH ASSETS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 October 1940, Page 5

CZECH ASSETS

PAYMENTS IN BRITAIN POSITION OF MINISTER QUESTIONED. INQUIRY BY COMMITTEE. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 17. On the motion of the Prime Minister Mr. Churchill, the House of Commons agreed to appoint a select committee to report whether the conduct of the Parliamentary Secretary for Food, Mr Boothby, in connection with payment from certain Czech assets in Britain was inconsistent with the standard Parliament was entitled to expect from members. Mr Churchill explained that Mr. Boothby took an active part when Bills were introduced in the House regarding the payment of claims in Britain from certain Czech assets which had been blocked at the time of the occupation of Prague, becoming chairman of an informal committee which pressed for payment of the claims. Evidence recently placed before the Government indicated that Mr. Boothby had a financial interest in a large claim, a fact which appeared inconsistent with a .statement made to a former Chancellor of the Exchequer. As there appeared to be a conflict between the evidence in the possession of the Government and the facts as Mr Boothby described them, Mr Churchill felt that the matter raised issues besides that of privilege, and thought at best that it should go to a select committee. He added: “Mr Boothby assured me that he concurs in the course proposed and submits himself willingly to the committee and will assist it in every way. I do not consider it fitting at this stage to call for Mi - Boothby’s resignation from the office he holds with distinction, as this might appear in tlie eyes of the public to prejudice the issue. Mr Boothby, however, has asked to be suspended from duties meanwhile, and I am prepared to make the necessary arrangements.”