asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further statement to make as to the action taken by His Majesty's Government to ensure proper compensation for British assets taken over by the Roumanian Government.

On 7th September, 1948, and again on 18th March last. His Majesty's Government informed the Roumanian Government that they could not recognise the validity of Roumanian legislation regarding nationalisation since it amounted to confiscation. Lacking any indication that their representations on this matter would be considered, His Majesty's Government informed the Roumanian Government in their second communication that they reserved all rights on behalf of British nationals with respect to the seizure of their properties and held the Roumanian Government responsible for the return of the properties or for prompt payment of adequate and effective compensation.

While His Majesty's Government may have retained their position, particularly in view of such big assets as Astra-Romano, can the Minister of State say what further action he means to take to ensure that something is done, rather than merely reserving his position?