§ 1. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the approximate amount of assets belonging to the State of Latvia held by the Custodian of Enemy Property; approximately what claims for compensation have been made by British nationals in respect of interests in Latvia; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to paying compensation to British interests out of assets held by Her Majesty's Government for Latvia.
§ The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Sir Anthony Eden)The total of Latvian assets held by the Custodian of Enemy Property is between £3 million and £3¼ million. The total of United Kingdom claims arising in Latvian territory is estimated to amount to approximately £2¾ million. With regard to the third part of his Question, the hon. Member will know that the problem is an extremely complex one, which raises difficult legal and political issues. I can, however, assure him that the interests of the claimants are being kept in mind.
§ Mr. FletcherWhat progress is being made in this matter?
§ Sir A. EdenI could not say, without going into the history of the case, with which I think the hon. Member is familiar. I can only say that we shall take any opportunity that offers itself to try to deal with the matter.