HC Deb 06 December 1946 vol 431 cc153-4W
Mr. Nield

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that property in this country belonging to Jews and anti-Nazis of enemy nationality who were murdered in enemy countries during the war now vests in the Custodian of Enemy Property; and whether he will undertake to change the present arrangements so that the relatives of such persons, who escaped to this country, may now be assured of the enjoyment of their deceased relatives' property.

Sir S. Cripps

Yes, Sir. The ultimate disposal of this property depends partly on the result of inter-Custodian discussions which are now proceeding at the Inter-Allied Reparation Agency in Brussels, but, pending a final settlement, I am prepared to permit the natural heirs or legatees of a victim of Nazi persecution, who are permanently resident in the United Kingdom, to receive their net share of the property of the deceased which is now under the control of the Custodian, subject to their claims as beneficiaries being legally established and defined.