§ Mr. L. SCOTTasked the President of the Board of Trade whether the branches of friendly neutrals established in this country, who were prevented during the War by the law of this country from collecting in Germany pre-War debts due to them from German nationals, are not entitled to share in the benefits of the clearing house provisions of the Treaty of Peace in respect of pre-War debts due to them from German nationals, are not entitled to claim against the assets here of their individual German debtors, and are liable to hand over here all property, rights, and interests held by them belonging to German nationals subject only to any lien on the property of individual debtors and without any right to set off 1250W the amounts due to them against the amounts due from them to German nationals generally; and whether the Government intends to introduce any and what legislation, practice, or procedure to remedy this injustice and loss to loyal friendly neutrals resident here whose claims to equitable treatment in respect of debts due to them from German nationals, which they have been prevented from collecting, have been overlooked and not provided for in the Treaty?
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANMy right hon. Friend will be glad to consider the points raised in this question, which are of considerable complexity and importance, and will communicate with my hon. and learned Friend.