§ 7. Sir J. HARMOOD-BANNERasked (1) the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to take any steps for the formation of a Committee jointly with the Board of Trade for the protection of Russian interests held in this country; whether he has any evidence of the total value of such interest; whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a Government Committee to obtain such reports and records of investments by British subjects in Russian securities and properties as may be sufficient evidence of existence and tenure in case of difficulties arising in future events; and whether any proposals have been made up to date by the Board of Trade, and what steps have been taken upon them; and (2) the President of the Board of Trade what steps the Board of Trade have taken up to the present in the protection of the interests in Russian bonds, securities, deeds, and property held in this country, the value of which exceeds 150 millions; and whether 658 he proposes to appoint any Government Committee to obtain evidence of the existence of such securities so as to avoid the results which would follow upon the destruction of records of property by Bolsheviks in Russia?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)The question is under consideration.
§ Mr. BALFOURThere will be no unnecessary delay.