HC Deb 30 June 1925 vol 185 cc2189-90
4. Mr. BASIL PETO

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress is being made in dealing with claims made through the Clearing Office (Enemy Debts) by British merchant seamen in respect of the detention of their ships prior to the declaration of war under Clause 4 of the Annex to Section IV, Part X, of the Treaty of Versailles; whether he is aware that great delay continues in dealing with these cases; whether anything can be done to expedite matters; and whether he can give particulars of the awards made by the arbitrator and the sums, if any, paid over to the claimants?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

In order to expedite the delay which has occurred in the settlement of these claims, a special agreement has recently been concluded with the competent German authorities with a view to effecting a settlement without the necessity of inquiry by an arbitrator. I am hopeful that this agreement will lead to a satisfactory and speedy settlement of these deserving claims. Under the judgments of the arbitrator, who has now resigned, two awards of £300 and £350, respectively, were made, both of which have been paid in full.

Mr. PETO

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the question, as to whether any claims have actually been paid, and, if so, what is the amount?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I think that is replied to in the second part of the answer.

Mr. PETO

Is it not a fact that in the Enemy Debts Clearing Office there are 1,000 officials employed at a cost of £300,000 a year; and, in view of the very slow procedure which has hitherto taken place, would it not be better to get rid of some of these gentlemen?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The hon. Member has completely misunderstood the position. The Enemy Debts Clearing Office is engaged in a very large number of transactions running into tens of millions of pounds, the great majority of which have been liquidated. The difficulty in this case arises from the objection of the German Government, which they are entitled to take under the Treaty, to meet particular claims. We have now arrived at an arrangement which is, I think, practicable, and which I hope will be expeditious.