HC Deb 08 July 1931 vol 254 cc2061-2
4. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now received a report from the British members of the main Anglo-Soviet Joint Committee dealing with British claims against the Soviet Government as to the attitude of the Soviet representatives towards the various classes of British claims; what is the nature of the report; and what action the Government proposes to take thereon?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

I received on Friday last a letter embodying the views of the British members of the Main Committee regarding the difficulties which have arisen in Sub-Committee B. The letter explains in detail the nature of the difficulties, and concludes with a request for instructions. The matter is now receiving my consideration.

Sir W. DAVISON

After these long months of negotiations, has the attitude of the Soviet representatives yet been defined, for example, as regards cash balances at banks belonging to private individuals?

Mr. HENDERSON

I could not make any further statement in answer to a supplementary question.

Sir W. DAVISON

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to inform the House on the matter—next Monday for example?

Mr. HENDERSON

On more than one occasion I have informed the hon. Gentleman that I am doing everything I can to push forward this investigation into the debts question. I will continue to do so, but I cannot promise in advance when I shall be in a position to make a statement.

Sir K. WOOD

Are not the difficulties in the matter the same as the right hon. Gentleman indicated some weeks ago when he said that he had no knowledge?

Mr. HENDERSON

I do not know what the right hon. Gentleman refers to.

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