HC Deb 04 May 1931 vol 252 cc13-4
22. Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the reason for the lack of progress made by the Anglo-Soviet Joint Committee, which was constituted in September, 1930, to consider the claims of British citizens against the Soviet Government in respect of private property appropriated without compensation.; whether the Soviet authorities have agreed in principle to the payment of compensation; and why it is that the sub-committee dealing with properties has not yet met?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

The Joint committee and its sub-committees are engaged on difficult and complicated negotiations, and while, as I informed the House on Wednesday last, I am disappointed at the slow progress which has been made, I do not consider that the negotiations would be expedited by any statement in the House at the present time.

Sir W. DAVISON

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that every day while this matter is drifting along, a further loss of between£30,000 and£40,000 is occasioned to British citizens, many of whom are my constituents; and does he not think that after eight months he ought, at any rate, to be able to answer that part of the question where I ask whether the Soviet authorities have admitted in principle the question of paying compensation?

Mr. HENDERSON

I have no objection to the hon. Gentleman looking after his constituents, but I am doing my best to look after the whole of the bondholders.

Sir W. DAVISON

It is very slow.

Mr. HENDERSON

Yes, it is slow; I recognise that fact.

Mr. SMITHERS

Is it not a fact that the attitude of the Soviet representatives is purely one of obstruction, and that they do not wish—[Interruption.]

Mr. THORNE

That is the way to get it settled.