HC Deb 12 April 1948 vol 449 cc593-4
3. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the value of the assets of the States of Estonia, Latvia and Luthuania and their nationals now held by the Custodian of Enemy Property; and when he proposes to make some of these assets available to meet the claims of British creditors of these States.

Mr. Mayhew

No exact figure of these assets can be given, but the estimated total is somewhat under £6 million sterling. My right hon. Friend has noted the suggestion made in the last part of the Question.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Is the Under-Secretary aware that these unfortunate creditors have been waiting now for eight years, and that some of them subscribed to a loan raised under the authority of the League of Nations? Can he give an assurance that early action will be taken?

Mr. Mayhew

We have noted the hon. Member's suggestion, but I am afraid I am not in a position to make a statement at the present time.

Back to