HC Deb 05 May 1948 vol 450 cc1236-7
17. Sir Ian Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether compensation will be paid to British persons for property in Palestine destroyed by either side, or left behind or rendered irrecoverable by the British evacuation.

Mr. Rees-Williams

No such compensation will be paid by His Majesty's Government who will, however, make every effort to ensure that the claims of British subjects for compensation in respect of damage to their property are expeditiously dealt with by whatever authority is responsible in Palestine after 15th May.

Sir I. Fraser

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why at any rate there is no liability for damage which occurred while we were masters there?

Mr. Rees-Williams

On 22nd May, 1947, the Palestine Government announced that claims for compensation in respect of loss or damage to property resulting from terrorist acts should be recorded, and it might be that ex gratia payments would be made when peaceful conditions had been established. So far as I know, that is the only announcement that has been made. We cannot undertake to give compensation for damage to property in the circumstances existing today.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

Does the hon. Gentleman mean that up to the time of our surrender of responsibility on 15th May the damage suffered by our nationals will have no claim on whatever Palestinian balances are there, before they are handed over to any new authority?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I am advised that there will be no legal claim, but it may be possible to make ex gratia payments. That is a matter which will have to be considered. That was the scope of the announcement made by the Palestine Government last year.

Mr. Stanley

That was last May, and the Mandate will now terminate in 10 days. Would it not be possible to expedite consideration so that by 15th May we shall know whether in fact payment is going to be made or not?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I will look into that matter straight away.

Sir I. Fraser

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Government will at any rate hold back enough money before the transfer to meet any such claims?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I am not able to make any further statement on this point. [Laughter.] I have said that I will look into it. That seems to cause amusement to hon. Members opposite, although I do not know why, because that is what they ask me to do.

Sir P. Hannon

Can the Under-Secretary say whether it is a fact, as indicated in his answer, that our nationals in Palestine will have no means at all of getting any compensation for injury inflicted upon them during the riots and the happenings in Palestine during the last few years? Is that the answer of His Majesty's Government to an honest claim for compensation?

Mr. Rees-Williams

I have given the answer and I cannot repeat it.