§ 57. Sir P. Harrisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can give an undertaking that the Government will not surrender any part of the blocked Czech assets during the Summer Recess?
§ Sir J. SimonI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for East Willesden (Mr. Hammersley) on 13th July. He will see that a scheme is to be submitted to the House for its prior approval as soon as may be after it reassembles.
§ Sir P. HarrisCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there have been any discussions with German banks or agencies on this matter, and can he give an undertaking that the Government as trustees in this respect are acting in the interests of the Czechs?
§ Sir J. SimonI can hardly give a more complete assurance than that which I have already given to the House, that no arrangements will be made until a scheme has been put before the House.
§ Mr. ManderWould the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer this question? Have any conversations or negotiations, official or unofficial, taken place with anybody connected with the German Government, with regard to this matter?
§ Sir J. SimonI could not give an answer to that question. If there has been any such discussion, I think the House is completely protected by the offer and the statement that has been made that any scheme will come before the House.
§ Mr. ManderIf I put down a specific question on the point, will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to answer it?