§ 4. Mr. MANVILLEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether authority will be given to the Controller of Enemy Debts at Cornwall House to disburse without any longer delay the money owing to British holders of due and unpaid interest coupons on British-owned German Government bonds, provided all requirements of the Controller as to proof of British ownership have been complied with?
§ Sir R. HORNEI regret that I am unable to adopt my hon. Friend's suggestion. Under the procedure laid down by the Treaty of Peace, claims of the nature of those referred to in the question must first be submitted to the German clearing office, and on their admission payment will be made by the Controller to the creditors.
§ Mr. MANVILLEWhy is this system of the German clearing office required in connection with this question of German Government debts? Surely they have nothing to grumble at in the coupons?
§ Sir R. HORNEThe arrangements under the Treaty of Peace are that all 8 these cases have in the first instance to be submitted to the German clearing office.