HC Deb 23 October 1946 vol 427 cc1663-4
52. Mr. Randall

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what arrangements have been made to return to the Austrian labour trades unions and co-operative movement the property stolen from them by the Fascists in 1933 and 1934 and the Nazis in March, 1938.

Mr. J. Hynd

The Austrian Government are now preparing legislation to provide for the return of such property.

Mr. Kenneth Lindsay

Will the hon. Gentleman press this question on the Austrian Government, if possible, because they are the greatest bulwark in rebuilding Austrian democracy?

Mr. Hynd

I do not think there is any need to press it on the Austrian Government, because the Federal Chancellor gave an assurance to this effect in February, and a Bill is now being drafted for early presentation to the Austrian Parliament; and the British authorities have given a written undertaking to the Austrian trade unions that, pending the passing of the legislation, we shall take no action to prejudice the return of the property.

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