§ 65. Sir A. WILSONasked the President of the Board of Trade the estimated gross and net cost of the Clearing Office for Enemy Debts, including the Enemy Property Department and the Russian Claims Department, for the current year; the number of years during which the Clearing Office has been in existence, and whether he can give an approximate date for the termination of its labours?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe estimated gross cost of the Clearing Office, for the current financial year, is £13,663, and the net cost is £350, which is the estimated cost of the Russian Claims Department. The difference represents fees, etc., receivable by the Clearing Office and accounted for as Appropriations in Aid. Full details appear on pages 26 to 29 of the Civil 549 Estimates for 1935, Class VI. The Office has been in existence for various purposes since 1920 and is now in process of liquidation. It is hoped to close the Office this year.