§ Mr. SMITHERSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement before the House rises as to the latest developments in the negotiations of the Russian Debts and Claims Committee and sub-committees; and whether any definite offer has yet been made by the Soviet Government or any progress made?
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§ Mr. EDENMy right hon. Friend saw the Soviet Ambassador yesterday, and reminded him of the situation in which, as he understood, this matter had been left in July last. I regret to say that the Soviet Ambassador was unable to make any definite offer or any proposal likely to lead to a satisfactory settlement.
§ Captain ERSKINE-BOLSTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if there is any possibility of an early settlement of the claim for compensation by the Spies Petroleum Company, Limited, against the Soviet Government to the amount of £3,470,822; and whether he will make representations to the Soviet Government on the subject?
§ Mr. EDENThe claim of the company is registered with the Russian Claims Department of the Board of Trade, and comes within the scope of the Anglo-Soviet debts and claims negotiations. I fear it would serve no useful purpose to make separate representations on behalf of any individual claimant.