HC Deb 29 March 1950 vol 473 cc392-3
44. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to obtain payment of the damages awarded to this country against Albania by the Hague Court as the result of the mining of two of His Majesty's ships in the Corfu Channel.

Mr. Younger

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Carlton (Mr. Pickthorn) on 13th March.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Does that answer mean that no further action has been taken, and, if so, does it not make a farce of the Hague Court decision?

Mr. Younger

In my previous answer I said we would be discussing the payment of damages with the Albanian Government at an early date. I think that that date has now become more nearly fixed, and we hope that it will be very early indeed.

Mr. Marlowe

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that for a long time his answers to these Questions were to the effect that he could do nothing because the Hague Court was considering the matter? Is he now saying that he can do nothing because the Hague Court is no longer considering the matter?

Mr. Younger

No, I did not say that. A very large sum was awarded by the Court, as the hon. and learned Member probably knows. We are concerned with practical means of getting a settlement of this very large sum, which, I think, no one could expect to be paid immediately in one lump sum. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"] Obviously, there should be discussion.

Mr. Eden

Will the Minister make a statement to the House about this very important subject before the Easter Adjournment?

Mr. Younger

I cannot promise to do so before the Easter Adjournment, but as soon as there is any development—it might be before the Easter Adjournment—I will call the attention of my right hon. Friend to that wish.

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

By what method do His Majesty's Government propose to open negotiations with the Albanian Government, as there is no representation between them?

Mr. Younger

I do not think that the channel to be used is a matter of any real difficulty.

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

The House would like to know the time-table and the machinery to be used.

Mr. Younger

If an exact time-table and all the details are wanted, perhaps the hon. Member will put down a Question.