HC Deb 11 December 1946 vol 431 c1151
44. Mr. Lennox-Boyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, before handing over to the present Yugoslav Government Yugoslav funds held here, he will arrange for payments to be made from these funds in compensation to British companies owning chrome mines in that country which have now been seized by the Yugoslav Government.

Mr. McNeil

The chrome mines to which the hon. Member refers were seized by the German authorities and, on the liberation of Yugoslavia, automatically came under the control of the Yugoslav Government, who have undertaken to restore all British property to its owners under conditions which are shortly to be discussed by a mixed commission in Belgrade.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what steps those who have substantial interests in these chrome mines ought to take in order to bring their particular claims before the attention of the mixed commission.

Mr. McNeil

I would rather have notice.

Mr. Gallacher

Would the Minister allow the Yugoslav Government to make their own decision about compensation on the basis of confiscation, and will he express the hope that they will give them nothing?