§ 19. Sir K. WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the position of the negotiations with the Soviet Government concerning the settlement of 586 debts and claims; and when the report of the committee will be available?
Mr. A. HENDERSONI 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. WOODCan the right hon. Gentleman give any indication when the report will be available?
§ Mr. SMITHERSIs it not a fact that the Soviet plenipotentiaries show no desire whatever to come to any agreement?
§ Mr. SMITHERSThe Soviet representatives?
§ Sir W. DAVISONHaving 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. HENDERSONWe do bring what pressure we can to bear. After all, the hon. Gentleman knows that it is a very difficult question.