German Enemy Property

HC Deb 21 January 1954 vol 522 cc174-5W

56. Mr. Teeling

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on the repayment of claims on German bonds and other German debts; and when another interim payment can be made.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

I hope to be able to make a statement on this matter shortly.

57. Mr. Teeling

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many people are on the staff of the Custodian of Enemy Property; and to what extent he has enlarged his staff during the last year in view of the work involved in examining claims and paying out moneys due on German bonds and other debts.

Mr. P. Thorneycroft

The Administrator of German Enemy Property—whose responsibility it is to deal with claims under the Distribution of Enemy Property Act, 1949—was empowered to receive claims from 1st February, 1952. On that date the staff employed on this work was 70. On 31st December, 1953, the staff numbered 92, as compared with the peak figure of 182, which was reached in February, 1953.