asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken to ensure the payment for British property in Canton for damage done in 1948

I regret to say that no results were achieved by the negotiations which, as stated in my predecessor's reply of 1st November, 1948, were then being pursued with the Chinese Government.

Has the hon. Gentleman made any attempt to get his hands on funds in this country which might be used as a set-off against this damage?

I should want notice of that.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that if the Government had used their initiative they would have got compensation before the Communists came into power in China?