HC Deb 25 July 1927 vol 209 cc834-5
36. Sir F. WISE

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the present staff of the clearing house for enemy debts; and what was the staff on the 1st January, 1927?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Sir Burton Chadwick)

The staff of the Clearing Office (Enemy Debts) at home and abroad, including the departments for the administration of German, Austrian, Hungarian and Bulgarian property, and the Russian Claims Department, now numbers 705, compared with 812 on the 1st January last.

Mr. HARRIS

Is it not time that the work of this Department should be expedited and brought to a conclusion? How long does the hon. Member expect it to go on?

Sir B. CHADWICK

These claims are very involved and very difficult to bring to a conclusion. Many are still outstanding. This Department is self-supporting and has to carry out the findings of the Mixed Arbitral Tribunal.

Mr. HARRIS

Is this Department to be made permanent?

Sir B. CHADWICK

No, Sir.

Colonel WOODCOCK

Can the hon. Member say how many Departments there are, and what decrease in the present staff will take place this year?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Member must give notice of that question.