§ 32. Mr. PERKINSasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Russian bank for foreign trade has defaulted to the extent of £24,918 in respect of the enemy debts clearing office and £9,929 in respect of His Majesty's Treasury; and what steps he proposes to take with a view to recovering this money?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hore-Belisha)This bank is in liquidation and the necessary steps are being taken to protect the interests of His Majesty's Government.
§ 54. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in making arrangements for a new trade agreement with the Soviet Government, it is the policy of His Majesty's Government to insist upon the recognition of public and private debts to this country?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Eden)I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply returned on 10th July to my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) to which I have nothing to add.
§ Mr. SMITHERSMay I ask if the occasion of these negotiations is not a very fine opportunity to insist upon the first principles of business honesty?
§ Mr. EDENIf the hon. Gentleman will look at the answer to which I have referred, he will find that that is fully dealt with.
§ Mrs. COPELANDIs it not time that Russia paid up her debts?