HC Deb 12 March 1951 vol 485 cc1063-4
51. Mr. J. Enoch Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has as to when the Union Court of Arbitration will sit on the question of liability to British subjects for war losses as between the Netherlands and Indonesian Governments; and what representations have been made on this subject to the court by His Majesty's Government.

Mr. Younger

I am informed that the question which is to come before the Union Court of Arbitration is whether the Netherlands or the Indonesian Government is responsible for paying final rehabilitation grants for war victims in Indonesia. The court will not be considering the specific question of compensation for British subjects. I have no information when the court will sit, nor is its constitution such as to permit His Majesty's Government to make representations to it.

Mr. Powell

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that compensation to His Majesty's subjects concerned cannot be paid until this court has sat and reached a decision? Therefore, will he consider making representations to both Governments involved to get the matter considered and decided by the court?

Mr. Younger

I am not aware of the point mentioned by the hon. Member in the first part of his question. I do not really think that he is correct in assuming that it depends on the decision of the court, but I can tell him that we have already made representations to the Indonesian Government about compensation for British subjects.