§ 45. Mr. WADDINGTONasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the serious hardship caused by the continued appropriation of the private property of British-born wives of ex-enemy subjects; and whether, with a view to the property of innocent people being restored to them, he will arrange for an early adjustment of the claims of British subjects against the German Government?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir W. Mitchell-Thomson)I have been asked to reply. On the recommendation of Lord Justice Younger's Committee, whose Report has just been laid before the House, steps are being taken to set aside the property or its proceeds belonging to certain classes of German subjects, including those referred to in the question, in case it may prove possible to return it when British claims have been satisfied. In reply to the second part of the question, every effort is constantly being made to expedite the settlement of the claims of British subjects.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAm I to understand that what the hon. Gentleman has just said applies to the British-born wives of other ex-enemy subjects as well as Germans?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONIt applies to the conditions contained in the Report of the Committee to which I will refer my hon. and gallant Friend for figures.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODDoes it apply to the British-born wives of Austrians, Hungarians and Rumanians?
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONI shall want notice of that.