§ 20. Mr. RAMSDENasked the Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been drawn to the case of a Bradford firm who delivered goods valued at £1,041 17s. 2d. to a Dutch manufacturer in January and February of 1920, which goods were subsequently refused, and that an action was commenced in the Dutch Courts in September of the same year, but up to the present the case has not been heard; and whether representations can be made to the Government in question with a view to expediting proceedings in this case?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUEL (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)My attention has been drawn to this case and I at once communicated with the Commercial Secretary at The Hague. He reports that the case is still in its preliminary stages, but that in order to expedite matters it has been arranged that there should be no pleadings, and that the case should be decided on the written statement of claim and reply thereto and subsequent arguments. As the case is thus still sub judice His Majesty's Government are unable to intervene.
§ Mr. RAMSDENDoes not the hon. Gentleman consider it a slur on a system of justice that a case which affects 954 the subjects of foreign countries should be allowed to drift on for years without being carried to Court; and will he bring the case again before the Dutch Government?
§ Mr. SAMUELI am not able to express any opinion upon the merits of the system. I will certainly continue to ask our representative at The. Hague to do what he can to assist in this matter.