§ 18 and 24. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he can now inform the House as to the attitude of the Soviet representatives on the Anglo-Soviet Joint Committee with regard to the claims of British nationals in respect of cash and property in Russia appropriated without compensation; and, in particular, what reply has been given to the representations made by the British members of sub-committee B who informed the main committee on the 5th May that further progress was impossible in view of the attitude adopted by the Soviet delegates;
(2) if he will state the reasons why sub-committee A of the Anglo-Soviet Joint Committee dealing with British claims has so far not held a meeting?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Arthur Henderson)I regret that no agreement has yet been reached regarding the scope of the work of sub-committee A. As regards sub-committee B, there has been no development since the reply given to the hon. Member on Monday last.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIs the right bon. Gentleman aware that it is now nearly two months since Sub-Committee B said they could make no further progress owing to the attitude of the Soviet representatives, and, seeing the long time since it has been constituted, and that Sub-Committee A has not had a meeting at all, does he not think it is trifling with the House not to state the reasons why the Committees have not met?
§ Sir NAIRNE STEWART-SANDEMANHow often has Sub-Committee B met?
§ Mr. HENDERSONI gave the hon. Member an answer last week in regard to one of the Sub-Committees, and I referred him to that answer to-day. I should only be repeating myself.
§ Sir W. DAVISONThe right hon. Gentleman said he had no statement to make on the matter, and I asked whether I might put a question on the Paper for to-day.
§ Mr. HENDERSONI do not want that statement to go unchallenged. I have said that I am at present awaiting the report from the British Members of the main Committee.