HC Deb 15 April 1953 vol 514 cc174-5
18. Mr. Odey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now state what compensation the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics propose to pay to the dependants of the airmen who were shot down in the Lincoln bomber on 12th March.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

No reply has yet been received from the Soviet authorities in Germany on the question of compensation for the loss of British lives and property resulting from the shooting down of this bomber. The United Kingdom High Commissioner in Germany has been instructed to pursue the matter with the Soviet authorities and to renew to them the demand of Her Majesty's Government that adequate compensation should be paid.

Mr. Odey

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that a number of these families are in very straitened circumstances, and will he impress upon the Soviet Union that their protestations of peaceful intentions will be regarded much more favourably if they will back their words by deeds in matters of this kind?

Mr. Lloyd

I will certainly see that that aspect of the matter is drawn to the attention of the Soviet authorities.