§ 56. Sir ARTHUR STEEL-MAITLANDasked the Prime Minister by whom and on what occasion was the general principle admitted on behalf of the Soviet Government of the justice of the claims of British nationals?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThroughout the present negotiations the Soviet attitude has been that while they cannot agree to the cancellation of their Repudiation Decree they are prepared to pay some compensation in respect of the claims of British nationals in return for counter concessions.
§ Sir A. STEEL - MAITLANDWhat was the general principle affecting the claims of British nationals which the Prime Minister stated on 3rd March had already been admitted? Was such a principle admitted, and, if so, by whom?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is admitted that claims put in by British nationals should not be put on one side as not being open to discussion, but should be accepted as open to discussion and, if possible, that they should be compensated.
§ 57. Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the statement expressed by the Soviet delegation at the meeting of the Conference on 15th May that a concrete offer could only be made after they had received particulars as to the extent of British claims, the Government had taken steps before the Conference was called to procure a list of such claims; whether they have done so since; and whether any measures have been taken by the Government to examine and verify them?
§ The PRIME MINISTERA register of British claims has been open since 1918. To verify the individual claims as registered by claimants would be a lengthy and difficult task, involving reference in each case to the claimant. It has not, therefore, been thought desirable to enter upon this task before some agreement is reached with the Soviet Delegation as to the method of settlement of claims.
§ Mr. WARDLAW MILNEMay I take it that the Prime Minister has accepted the principle that British claims cannot under any circumstances be paid in full?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI beg hon. Members and the House as a whole not to commit me to these constructive meanings. I am not committed to that at all.
§ Sir A. STEEL-MAITLANDHave any steps been taken by the Government to see that that register is complete, by invitations to those who have claims or otherwise, or was it merely open to them to put in claims if they wished?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIf the right hon. Gentleman desires to get full details regarding that matter. I will be much obliged if he will put a question on the Paper, but I have looked into it, and, speaking from memory, the widest advertisement was made asking people who had claims to send them in. I think that is accurate.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWould it not be possible to go into this fully on the Board of Trade Vote to-morrow, as the Board of Trade is the Department charged with dealing with these claims?
§ The PRIME MINISTER indicated assent.