§ 19. Mr. David Ecclesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet received a report from the administrator appointed under the Distribution of Enemy Property Act, 1949.
§ Sir H. ShawcrossI assume that the hon. Member refers to the Report of the Committee appointed to advise on the distribution of German enemy property. This Report has been received and is under consideration.
§ Mr. EcclesIn view of the fact that this Act was passed in 1949 and the Government then said that the assets would be promptly distributed, when can we expect an Order in Council to carry into effect the advice of the Committee, as 17 months have gone by and nothing has happened?
§ Sir H. ShawcrossAs I am sure the hon. Member realises, the matter is one of very great complication. A Report was received in my Department on 9th March and I shall consider it as soon as I can.