§ 59. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the value of British properties already taken over by the Burmese Government for which terms of compensation have not yet been settled.
§ Sir S. CrippsNo, Sir. As I explained to the hon. and gallant Member last week, the British interests concerned are negotiating with the Government of Burma. While we cannot usefully comment on or take part in such detailed discussions, we have continually pressed the Burmese Government to carry out the undertaking given at the conclusion of the Treaty of 17th October, 1947, to pay equitable compensation. We shall continue to do so.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreWhen the Chancellor of the Exchequer says that he cannot usefully interfere, does he really think it right that British property should be expropriated in Burma with no compensation settled, while the Government do not take such steps as lie in their power, to protect British interests concerned but merely sit on the fence?
§ Sir S. CrippsAs I have pointed out, we have taken every step to get the Burmese to carry out the undertaking given to pay equitable compensation.
§ Earl WintertonIs the Chancellor of the Exchequer aware that the Leader of the Opposition and I warned the Government this would happen when the Burmese Measure was before the House, and that we were told at the time the Government had every expectation that payments would be made at an early date? In these circumstances, why have not their anticipations been fulfilled?
§ Sir S. CrippsBecause negotiations are still proceeding.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreThe Chancellor of the Exchequer has said that the Government have taken every step. Will he tell the House what actual steps have been taken?
§ Sir S. CrippsSteps of representation through the proper channels.
§ Mr. W. FletcherWhen the Chancellor says that he cannot usefully interfere, does that mean he is going on with the £80 million free loan the Treasury are giving to Burma and the £15 million gift; or are they going to be "usefully interfered" with?
§ Sir S. CrippsThere is no intention of interfering with any undertaking we have given.
§ Mr. Oliver StanleyIf undertakings we have given are to be carried out, are we not entitled to insist that undertakings given us in return shall also be carried out? Can the Chancellor say how long these negotiations to which he has just referred have been proceeding?
§ Sir S. CrippsI could not give the exact date when the negotiations started, but we are, as I have stated three times, insisting that their undertakings shall be carried out.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreIn view of the most unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.