HC Deb 15 April 1954 vol 526 cc1313-4
2. Mr. Teeling

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is including repayment of interest due on the Hungarian bonded debt in the present discussions on trade with Hungary.

Mr. Maudling

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Teeling

Would my hon. Friend bear in mind, in these negotiations, that it is always possible that one Department may feel determined to make a success of their part in them without realising fully the needs of other Departments? Can he assure us that the Treasury is keeping well in mind the fact that the Hungarians, as far back as 1949, were offering to pay certain sums, and make quite sure that today's figures will be no less than those of 1949?

Mr. Maudling

All Departments are equally keen to make sure that their own interests are watched, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the question of pay- ments in respect of the debt from Hungary is very much in our minds.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Does that mean that claims for compensation for the industries which Hungary has nationalised will be dealt with as in the case of similar negotiations with Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia?

Mr. Maudling

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Can my hon. Friend say how these negotiations are going on and when they are likely to be concluded?

Mr. Maudling

No, I cannot say. They were started only fairly recently and they are rather complicated.