§ Mr. ATKEYasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that manufacturers and merchants in Nottingham have been standing out of the large. sums of money due to them from enemy aliens in Germany for over five years, on which they have not received any interest whatever, and which is seriously prejudicing the development of their business; and what is the reason for the delay in clearing off British and German commercial debits and credits, in view of the fact that a clearing house has been established in Germany in connection with the matter?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThe clearing offices for the collection and payment of enemy debts cannot begin work until the Treaty with Germany comes into force. I am not aware that a clearing office has already been established in Germany. On this point I would refer him to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to a question by 255W my hon. Friend the Member for the Farnham Division on the 24th November, of which I am sending him a copy. Interest will be added to the debts payable through the clearing office when set up, in accordance with the terms of the Treaty.