HC Deb 03 December 1930 vol 245 cc2193-4
6. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how often the main Joint Anglo-Soviet Committee dealing with claims for compensation have met since their appointment, and how frequently they are in the habit of meeting?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

The committee held its seventh meeting of the 27th of November last, and as at present arranged it will meet again on the 4th of December; the meetings, therefore, average about one in eight days. The committee has hitherto been dealing with questions of principle, assignment of particular classes of claims to the various sub-committees and similar matters of procedure. Discussion of individual claims has not yet been commenced, nor has the committee yet proceeded to deal with the evidence of claimants.

Sir W. DAVISON

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think, in view of the enormous sum involved, that it is urgent that the committee should meet more frequently than once in eight. days?

Mr. HENDERSON

I agree, but I think I can claim that I have got this matter further than anyone else has yet done.