§ 8. Sir PHILIP RICHARDSONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many concessions have been given by the Soviet Government to British companies that were in existence before 1920, beyond that granted to Lena Goldfields; and whether the giving of any such concessions involves any restitution of confiscated property to the original owners?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUEL (Secretary, Overseas Trade Department)As far as I am aware, the only concessions granted to any British companies, which were in existence prior to 1920, other than the 492 Lena Goldfields, are those given to the Ayan Corporation and the Priamur Syndicate. My information is that such concessions are granted for a term of years, at the end of which the enterprises must be handed over to the Soviet Government in working order.