HC Deb 28 April 1954 vol 526 cc1618-9
39. Sir J. Lucas

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the course of the official trade negotiations with Poland and Hungary, and the negotiations for the settlement of mutual debts.

The Minister of State, Board of Trade (Mr. Heathcoat Amory)

The negotiations are still in progress, and I would prefer to wait until they are concluded.

Sir J. Lucas

Would it be possible for at least some of the people who are waiting for the money to get a payment on account? Have we not more assets in this country than they have in theirs?

Mr. Amory

These negotiations cover both trade and debts, but debts are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary or for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and not for me. Perhaps my hon. Friend will put down a further Question to one of my right hon. Friends.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Does the same negative report apply to negotiations with Bulgaria and Rumania?

Mr. Amory

No negotiations are at present taking place with either of those two countries.