HC Deb 01 April 1968 vol 762 cc14-5
13. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the composition of the respective claims which are the subject of the Agreement on Mutual Financial and Property Claims between Great Britain and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics which has recently been concluded.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary to the hon. Member for Moray and Nairn (Mr. G. Campbell) on 12th February.—[Vol. 758, c. 269.]

Mr. Blaker

Is the Minister aware that the facts asked for in this Question have been requested on a number of occasions over a long period? Are they not readily available? Why are the Government being so cagey about providing them?

Mr. Roberts

It is not a question of being cagey, but it would be misleading to publish the figures for claims on either side, except in the context of the proposals which we will be submitting to Parliament on the distribution. In isolation these figures would not be a reliable guide of what claimants might expect to receive, since the value of the assets available for distribution and all the claims which will be admitted cannot now be reliably assessed.

Sir G. Nabarro

Is it not a fact that we have been promised, over and over again, legislation in this Session of Parliament to deal with this matter? When is the Bill to be presented to the House?

Mr. Roberts

Shortly, I hope.