§ 6. Mr. CADOGANasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any progress has been made in pressing the claims of British subjects against the Spanish Government for damages and loss sustained during the riots at Malaga and elsewhere; and whether he will urge upon the Spanish authorities the need for settlement of these claims which have been outstanding for so long?
§ Sir J. SIMONFurther representations have been made since the date of the reply returned on this subject on 9th November last. While it has not been possible to induce the Spanish Government to accept liability, my hon. and gallant Friend may rest assured that no 1325 opportunity to bring about a settlement of these claims will be overlooked. I may mention that claims by other Governments on behalf of their nationals in respect of losses incurred during the riots in question are also outstanding.
§ Mr. CADOGANIn view of the fact that much the same answer has been given to this question for the last two years, will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the matter can be brought to a definite issue within a reasonable space of time?
§ Sir J. SIMONWe are, naturally, anxious not only to bring it to a definite conclusion, but to bring it to a favourable conclusion. It is in the effort to get a favourable conclusion that some delay is involved.