§ 30. Mr. SANDYSasked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds His Majesty's Government are giving compensation to Yugoslavia for losses suffered as a result of the imposition of 20 sanctions against Italy, and at the same time are refusing to give compensation to British subjects who have suffered similar losses?
§ 31. Mr. DONNERasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the refusal of His Majesty's Government to pay compensation to British subjects for losses incurred as a result of the application of sanctions against Italy is on the grounds of principle or due to administrative difficulties?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe decision of His Majesty's Government that compensation cannot be granted for losses attributable to the sanctions imposed on Italy, was reached on grounds of principle. The provision of compensation for losses sustained as the result of sanctions would involve making similar provision from public funds for losses of trade or employment due to other causes. The grant of special facilities in the United Kingdom market for the import of limited quantities of certain Yugoslav produce, rests on different considerations as explained in the reply given to questions by my hon. and gallant Friends the Members for Newbury (Brigadier-General Clifton Brown) and Tiverton (Lieut.-Colonel Acland-Troyte) on 10th February last.
§ Mr. SANDYSDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that this differentiation to the detriment of British subjects is equitable?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am afraid I could not accept the hon. Member's description of the matter.