§ 45. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the position regarding compensation in respect of British-owned industries in Poland which have been nationalised; and what is holding up the negotiation of other agreements.
§ Sir S. CrippsCompensation for nationalised British properties in Poland is now being discussed in Warsaw. As my hon. Friend is aware, discussions on trade and payments with Poland are also proceeding, but I have no statement to make at present.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeCan my right hon. and learned Friend say whether the conclusion of a food agreement with Poland is being held up pending some settlement of this question of compensation for British industries and British property which are going to be nationalised in Poland, and, if so, does he not think that a great mistake?
§ Sir S. CrippsI have just stated that I have no statement to make at present.
§ Mr. GallacherIs not this demand for compensation which is holding up an agreement, a case of what the Chancellor referred to the other night as too many people being concerned about what they can get and not about what they can give?
Mrs. ManningIn view of the fact that the British housewife is now going very short of bacon and other products for the breakfast table, does not my right hon. and learned Friend consider that when the principle about the repayment for nationalised industries has been agreed by the Polish Government, he has no right to continue to prevent the ratification of the agreement?
§ Sir S. CrippsAs far as I know, nobody has suggested that anything is preventing an agreement being entered into.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs it not becoming more and more plain every day that the present Chancellor of the Exchequer is a more dangerous and vicious fellow-traveller than his predecessor.