§ 49. Mr. Geoffrey Cooperasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the fact that the non-payment of any war damage reparations to British 776 subjects resident and owning property in Italy is causing hardship, if he will now say when he expects that settlement of their claims will be made by the Italian Government.
§ Mr. MayhewHis Majesty's Government sympathise with those to whom the delays in settling these claims have caused hardship. His Majesty's Government and the French and United States Governments are at present negotiating with the Italian Government for the rapid implementation of the relevant article of the Treaty.
§ Mr. CooperIs my hon. Friend aware that Italian property similarly damaged has in most cases been repaired, but that property belonging to British subjects is not receiving the same consideration? Can something be done to bring pressure to bear on the Italian Government so that this can be done?
§ Mr. MayhewWe are negotiating with the Italian Government, but I am afraid that there is nothing further I can say now.