§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many officials are now employed in the British Clearing House for ex-enemy property; what is the annual cost to the Exchequer of maintaining this Department; and whether he considers it necessary to maintain it?
§ Sir B. CHADWICKI have been asked to reply. The staff of the Clearing Office, which includes the Departments for the administration of German, Austrian, Bulgarian and Hungarian property, numbers 880. The Department will be terminated as soon as its work in dealing with claims and property under the Economic Clauses of the Treaties of Peace is completed. The Department does not involve any cost to the Exchequer.