HC Deb 26 November 1945 vol 416 cc1034-5W
Major J. White asked

the President of the Board of Trade what steps are being taken to meet the compensation claims lodged with his Department by British subjects formerly in business on the Continent and who lost a part or the whole of their possessions through enemy seizure.

Sir S. Cripps

The nature of the loss has varied from place to place, and according to the different kinds of property. Information on the subject is still incomplete. No precise statement can therefore be made as to the treatment of compensation claims but, generally speaking, the attention of the Governments now concerned has been drawn to the classes of claims which have come to our notice, and their co-operation has been sought to safeguard British interests and to secure compensation for loss at least on the same basis as their own nationals. Claims arising in the enemy countries themselves cannot be settled in advance of a general Peace Settlement.