§ Major BREESEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in the case of the collection of enemy debts, delay is occurring owing to the failure by the German Government of setting up a clearance house; and, having regard to the large sums involved and to the re- 429W quirements of British firms for capital for developing their industries, he will take steps to urge speedy compliance on the part of the German Government with the provisions of Article 296 of the Treaty of Peace?
§ Sir R. HORNEWhilst delay in preferring claims to Germany has undoubtedly resulted from the cause referred430W to in the hon. and gallant Member's question, the time within which, under the terms of the Treaty, the German Clearing Office must be established, does not expire until the 24th instant, and it would be premature, therefore, to take the steps suggested. In the meantime, interest on such claims continues to run in favour of creditors.