§ 4. Sir K. WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the present position of the negotiations with the Soviet delegates as to claims and counter claims; and whether he can asure the House that it is still the intention of the Government not to guarantee any loan to the Soviet Russian Government in connection with the debts due to British nationals?
Mr. A. HENDERSONAs regards the first part of the question I have nothing to add to my reply of the 19th of November to the hon. Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison). As regards the second part, the policy of His Majesty's Government remains as stated in this House on the 5th November, 1929, and again on the 27th of January last.
§ Sir K. WOODArising out of the answer to the first part of the question, can the right hon. Gentleman indicate how long he thinks these negotiations are likely to continue, and when there is any likelihood of a statement?
Mr. HENDERSONAs I have informed the House, we have done all that we can to get on with them, but there are many difficulties.
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELWill the right hon. Gentleman say how he reconciles that statement with the fact that His Majesty's Government are now—
§ Mr. SPEAKERSir Kingsley Wood.
§ 12. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Joint Anglo-Soviet Committee 1281 appointed to deal with the claims arising from the compulsory acquisition of the property of British nationals by the Soviet Government expect to be in a position to take evidence from claimants?
Mr. HENDERSONI would refer the hon. Member to my reply of the 19th of November, to which I have, at present, nothing to add.
§ Sir W. DAVISONHaving regard to the time which has elapsed, can the right hon. Gentleman say why no attempt is made to get evidence and to receive the claims of the claimants?
Mr. HENDERSONI have already announced to the House that there are certain difficulties. We are getting on as fast as we can.