HC Deb 12 July 1955 vol 543 c1733
35. Mr. Snow

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent pre-war debts are a factor in the present negotiations for a trade agreement between the United Kingdom and Bulgaria.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The Bulgarian Government agreed that both trade and our financial claims should be discussed during the present talks, and we hope it will be possible to work out satisfactory arrangements under both heads. Pre-war debts form the largest single category of our financial claims against Bulgaria.

Mr. Snow

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the United States have, through the General Motors Corporation, recently contracted to supply over £1 million of motor vehicles to that country, and is there not a danger that by sticking out too long on the subject of pre-war debts we may in the long run lose a great deal of valuable trade?

Mr. Butler

It is important that some consideration should be given to the debt position. I will certainly examine what the hon. Gentleman has stated.