HC Deb 15 April 1931 vol 251 cc169-70
6. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made by the Anglo-Soviet Debts and Claims Committee since 16th March last?

7. Mr. ALBERY

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Soviet Debts and Claims Committee have now made any progress beyond that connected with procedure and methods of work of the sub-committees?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

A further meeting of Sub-Committee B (bondholders) was held on the 19th of March, and it is expected that this Sub-Committee will meet again shortly. No further meetings of the other Sub-Committees have been held since the 16th of March.

Mr. ALBERY

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question, and say whether any of these meetings have got beyond the stage of considering methods of procedure?

Mr. HENDERSON

Oh, yes, they have been dealing with matters of principle.

Mr. ALBERY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that none of the published announcements have made reference to anything except methods of procedure?

Mr. HENDERSON

That may be. You do not always rush into public statements.

Mr. SMITHERS

Is the right hon. Gentleman of the opinion that the Soviet representatives mean—

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Day.