§ 88. Mr. Blackburnasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can yet make a statement about the work undertaken to date by the National Research Development Corporation.
§ Mr. BottomleyThe Development of Inventions Act, 1948, under which the National Research Development Corporation was established, requires the Corporation to make a report to the Board of Trade as soon as possible after the end of each financial year, and requires the Board to lay the report before Parliament. The first occasion for this will come after 30th June, 1950, when the Corporation's first financial year ends. This annual report is, I think, the appropriate means and occasion for informing the House about the activities of the Corporation and I should prefer not to anticipate it.
§ 89. Mr. J. Fosterasked the President of the Board of Trade what agreements or understandings he has entered into with any foreign countries as to the disposal of heirless property or its proceeds now vested or in the control of the Custodian of Enemy Property, which property was formerly owned by victims of the policy of Nazi mass murder.
§ Mr. BottomleyNo agreements have been concluded or understandings reached with foreign countries on behalf of His Majesty's Government, which provide for the final disposal of property or its proceeds which the hon. Member refers to as heirless.