HC Deb 21 May 1930 vol 239 cc378-9
17. Commander O. LOCKER-LAMPSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government accept the principle laid down in the Stevenson claim against Venezuela that if injury is done to a British subject, the basis of the Governmental intervention being the wrong done to the State, any change in nationality of the individual who has borne the loss or seeks to benefit by the presentation of the claim is immaterial?

Mr. A. HENDERSON

No, Sir; His Majesty's Government accept the view, which is supported by a very large number of arbitral decisions, that a continuance of national interest in a claim is essential to justify its presentation to a foreign Government. The contrary view was rejected by the Tribunal in the case mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member.

Commander LOCKER - LAMPSON

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is very unfair that moneys due from the Russian Government to a British national should not be recovered with the help of His Majesty's Government?

Mr. HENDERSON

That is an entirely different question.

Commander LOCKER-LAMPSON

Has the right hon. Gentleman really considered the matter? It is not a different question.

Mr. HENDERSON

If the hon. and gallant Member will give me the particulars connected with the case winch he has in mind, I will see how far I can go into it.

Commander LOCKER - LAMPSON

Thank you, Sir.