3. Lieut.-Colonel HILDERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that some foreign countries, acting probably with the idea of bettering their exchange position, are placing obstacles in the way of the payment by their nationals of debts to British traders by making restrictive and constantly varying regulations in regard to the transfer of money abroad; and, seeing that this is a serious handicap to the restoration of our foreign trade, whether he will, if given a specific instance, consider the propriety of making friendly representations to the country concerned on the subject?
§ Sir P. LLOYD-GREAMEI am well aware of the difficulties which attend the recovery of debts owing to British traders in certain European countries, difficulties which are undoubtedly enhanced in many cases by Government regulations of exchange transactions. Representations have already been made in certain cases where exceptional difficulties have been occasioned by Government measures in the foreign countries concerned, and if my hon. and gallant Friend will submit particulars of the specific case which he has in mind I will consult with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs as to what further action in this direction can usefully be taken.