HC Deb 29 April 1931 vol 251 cc1611-2
9. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that of the three sub-committees of the Anglo-Soviet Conference constituted in September, 1930, who are dealing with the private claims of British citizens against the Soviet Government in respect of property appropriated by them without compensation, Sub-committee A (dealing with properties) has so far had no meeting, Sub-committee B (dealing with bonds) has only met on two or three occasions, while Sub-committee C (dealing with miscellaneous claims) has only met once; and whether, having regard to the fact that the claims which have been submitted on behalf of British citizens to the Conference amount to approximately£250,000,000, he will take all possible steps to ensure the prompt settlement of these claims by the Conference, and further inform the Soviet representatives that, pending a settlement of these longstanding British claims, no further credits can be provided by this country for Russia?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

The task of the Joint Committee is not to settle claims but to report the results of its investigations to the plenipotentiaries. I am disappointed at the slow progress of these negotiations, but I do not consider that the refusal of export credits in respect of goods exported from this country to the Soviet Union would be an appropriate remedy.

Sir W. DAVISON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that if Great Britain has any money to devote to credits it would more appropriately be devoted to giving credits to people who have had their property appropriated rather than to those who appropriated it?

Mr. HENDERSON

All that may be true, but how the withholding of credits is going to benefit the bondholders, whom I am anxious to assist, I do not know.

Sir K. WOOD

What steps does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take in the circumstances?

Mr. HENDERSON

To bring to bear all the pressure I can to keep the committees at work and to try to secure results.

Mr. MARJORIBANKS

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of following the example of Italy, which has arranged a very satisfactory scheme with the Soviet Government in regard to credits, and so on?

Mr. HAYCOCK

Did the late Government make any attempt at all to bear in mind—

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Mander.

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