HC Deb 17 May 1949 vol 465 cc14-5W
Mr. Paget

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is the reason for the delay by the Custodian of Enemy Property in dealing with assets belonging to Dr. Paul Hollos, which was raised in November, 1947;

(2) when the Custodian of Enemy Property will be able to come to a decision as to the release of assets belonging to Dr. Paul Hollos in this country, reference number T.E. 81891.

Mr. Bottomley

The property claimed by Dr. Hollos, a Hungarian national, falls into two parts. Part stood, ostensibly, in the name of a Swiss company which was included in the List of Specified Persons to be treated as enemies and remains vested in the Custodian. Part represents a share claimed with five other people in the contents of a safe.Prima facie Dr. Hollos' property, rights or interests are subject to the charge imposed by the Treaty of Peace (Hungary) Order, 1948, but, apart from this, the ownership and identification of the property claimed is by no means clear, and I am not in a position to say when a final decision can be given.