HL Deb 14 October 1952 vol 178 c622

2.53 p.m.

LORD VANSITTART

My Lords, I beg to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask whether Her Majesty's Government will issue a statement explaining in simple terms for public enlightenment the justification, if any, for the enormous sums now allotted to the war criminal Krupp.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF READING)

My Lords, the answer to the noble Lord's Question is, Yes. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs will be making a statement in another place to-morrow, and with the leave of the House I shall make a similar statement here for your Lordships' information.

LORD STRABOLGI

Can the noble Marquess say at what time it will be made?

THE MARQUESS OF READING

Presumably soon after half past three.

LORD VANSITTART

My Lords, I thank the noble Marquess for his reply and in fairness I shall, of course, wait until to-morrow before making any further comment. It would be only fair that I should add now that it will require a convincing statement to set my anxieties at rest.