§ 47. Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the Prime-Minister whether he can state, approximately, the amount owing by British, citizens to Germany at the outbreak of war; how much of this has been collected by the Public Trustee; what it is proposed to do with such sum; and what course it is proposed to adopt; in regard to the balance?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Chamberlain)The approximate amount owing by British citizens to Germany in respect of trade debts and bank balances at the outbreak of war as recorded with the Custodian for England and Wales was £14,000,000 exclusive of debts under £50 which have not been recorded with the Custodian. Of this sum, approximately £2,000,000, has become the subject of Vesting Orders made by the High Court and the Board of Trade, and has been collected by the Custodian. The reply to the last two parts of the question will depend on the final terms of the Treaty of Peace, and I would refer the hon. Member to Section X. of the Official Summary, which was recently published in the Press.