§ 12. Mr. A. M. SAMUELasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Hungarian authorities have admitted through the British Clearing Office the liability for the amount claimed by British subjects with respect to pre-War Hungarian Government debts apportioned by the Reparation Commission as from 1st July, 1919, between the successor States of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire; and, if they have not, will he press the Hungarian authorities to expedite the matter?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As soon as the Reparation Commission gave their final decision last month, the Administrator of Hungarian Property communicated with the Hungarian Clearing Office on the subject, and instructed the representative of the Department in Budapest to urge the Hungarian authorities to admit the claims of British nationals in accordance with the Reparation Commission's decision.
§ Mr. SAMUELDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that the delay is reasonable, and, if not, will he press upon the Hungarian authorities to bring the matter to a conclusion at the earliest possible moment?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI have pressed the matter upon the Hungarian Government, but the hon. Gentleman will realise that it was only last month that the Reparation Commission gave their decision. But I am pressing the Hungarian Government.
§ Mr. SAMUELDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Reparation Commission were very dilatory even in giving their decision last month?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEThe Hungarian Government could not assent to the verdict of the Reparation Commission till it reported.