§ 46. Mr. Boothbyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury is now compiling a register of Czech balances in London and of British balances in Prague with a view to effecting a settlement of outstanding claims at the earliest possible moment?
§ Sir J. SimonThe Treasury are taking steps to obtain the information referred to by my hon. Friend, but I am not at present in a position to state how soon it will be possible to give consideration to the question of effecting a settlement of outstanding claims.
§ Mr. BoothbyWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that it was clearly the intention of this House in passing the Act that British balances in Prague should not, if possible, suffer as a result of the invasion of Czecho-Slovakia; and will he give an assurance that no payments will be made abroad outside this country, until their claims have been considered?
§ Sir J. SimonMy hon. Friend knows the arrangement and how it is working; and I am sure that the general considerations which he has in mind will not be overlooked.
§ Mr. NathanWill the right hon. Gentleman consider extending the register which is being compiled, beyond bank balances so as to include other assets like insurance policies and ordinary trading credits with this country?
§ Sir J. SimonI will take note of that.