HC Deb 23 May 1966 vol 729 c9
9. Sir W. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken since last February to obtain a measure of agreement with the Hungarian Government over the Hungarian repayment of bonded debts.

Mr. George Thomson

Further discussions with the Hungarians have taken place since last February and are continuing.

Sir W. Teeling

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that many people in this country are gradually beginning to feel that the Iron Curtain countries want to become more friendly with us? Is he aware that militating against that, especially in the City, and amongst the bondholders, is the irritant of the non-settlement of these debts? Could he not let us know a little more about this, so that many people who feel that Parliament should be dealing with this matter rather than it being dealt with through secret diplomacy, could know where we are?

Mr. Thomson

I understand the hon. Member's feelings that this is taking a long time, but it is not uncommon for discussions of this nature to last over a long period. I regret that I cannot give more details at the moment. The talks are confidential and it is really in the interests of the people he has represented in this House that I should not say more at this stage.