§ 41. Mr. M. Lindsayasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information about compensation payable to British individuals for property lost or destroyed in Burma in 1942.
§ Mr. MayhewHis Majesty's Government have been giving consideration to 500 the cases of United Kingdom British subjects who suffered losses in the occupied British and ex-British territories in the Far East and who have returned to this country and intend to remain here permanently. As soon as certain administrative arrangements have been completed, which I hope will be within the next few months, a further statement will be made.
§ Mr. LindsayWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that very great hardship is being caused to those people, and that there is a clear case for payment by the Exchequer if no other arrangement can be made?
§ Mr. W. Fletcheris the hon. Gentleman satisfied that sufficient staff are dealing with this matter, or is this case parallel to that in Malaya, when the Government had to confess that they had not sent enough people out to deal with the matter, thus causing great hardship to those who have been deprived of their property?
§ Mr. MayhewOur difficulties are not concerned with shortage of staff.