§ 2. Mr. SEDDONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether many British, firms have large sums of money owing to-them by Germans debtors, and that fre- 9 quent requests for payment or recognition of their claims have been made to the Government without results; and what steps the Government propose to adopt to see that these just debts are paid?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThis question should be addressed to the Treasury, but my right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. He is fully aware of the importance of this matter and is now receiving consideration in conjunction with the Allied Governments at the Peace Conference.
§ Sir JOHN BUTCHERNow that communication with Germany is easier than it was during the War, would the hon. Gentleman consider whether the Courts could not pay out the large sums they have under their control to meet the just claims of British creditors?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe hon. and learned Gentleman had better address that question to the Treasury.