HC Deb 20 April 1931 vol 251 cc585-6
19. Sir K. WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the position of the negotiations with the Soviet Government concerning the settlement of debts and claims; and when the report of the committee will be available?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given to the hon. Members for Chislehurst (Mr. Smithers) and Gravesend (Mr. Albery) on Wednesday last. I cannot say when the report will be submitted to the plenipotentiaries.

Sir K. WOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication when the report will be available?

Mr. HENDERSON

No, I am afraid I cannot at the moment.

Mr. SMITHERS

Is it not a fact that the Soviet plenipotentiaries show no desire whatever to come to any agreement?

Mr. HENDERSON

No, the matter has not been before the Soviet plenipotentiaries as yet.

Mr. SMITHERS

The Soviet representatives?

Sir W. DAVISON

Having regard to the tens of millions of British money involved in this matter, can not the Government insist on greater speed in dealing with it?

Mr. HENDERSON

We do bring what pressure we can to bear. After all, the hon. Gentleman knows that it is a very difficult question.

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