HC Deb 04 November 1929 vol 231 cc626-8W
Mr. KELLY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the memorandum from Mr. Orsmby is the only memorandum he has received from a number of the staff of the Enemy Debts Department asking for an inquiry into one aspect or another of the administration of the Department; and, if there has been another, what answer did the Department make to this application?

Mr. GRAHAM

I have not been able to trace any other memorandum which comes within the description contained in the question. As my hon. Friend was informed in this House on the 9th July, 1928, a few complaints have been received in the past in regard to the conduct of the Clearing Office. These were fully investigated at the time and suitable action was taken as necessary.

Mr. KELLY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are any cases in which the legal adviser to the Enemy Debts Department has advised that applicants for the release of sequestrated property are stateless, and therefore entitled to full release, in which the Enemy Debts Department has refused release or released only in part; and, if so, if particulars can be furnished?

Mr. GRAHAM

I have made inquiries and find that the position is as stated in the reply given by my predecessor to this question when asked by my hon. Friend in this House on the 3rd July, 1928.

Mr. KELLY

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any of the officers of the Enemy Debts Department

International Review of Agriculture.
Cereal Yields.
Countries. Area Sown. English Measures.
1929. 1928. Average 1923 to 1927. 1929. 1928. Average 1923 to 1927.
Thousand Acres. Thousand centals.
Wheat.
Germany … … … 3,957 4,270 3,886 69,350 84,957 63,578
Austria … … … 514 514 489 7,147 7,750 5,934
Rye.
Germany … … … 11,674 11,452 11,263 178,808 187,882 148,653
Austria … … … 937 938 944 10,783 11,156 10,362
Cental = 100lbs.

whom the Department has had occasion to reprimand for accepting gifts from representatives of private firms with which they were in official relations are still retained in the public service?

Mr. GRAHAM

The only instance in which officers of the Enemy Debts Department were reprimanded for accepting gifts from representatives of private firms with whom they were in official relations occurred, in 1926. The officers concerned are no longer in the public service.