HC Deb 27 July 1953 vol 518 cc864-5
5. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far the negotiations have got with the Argentine Government concerning compensation for the Anglo-Argentine Tramways and the Primitiva Gas Company.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The Joint Committee, composed of representatives of the Argentine authorities and of the two companies, was convened on the 11th May. It has since met regularly, the respective claims of the two companies being dealt with at alternate meetings.

Mr. Teeling

Can my right hon. and learned Friend clear up a point about which I am not quite certain? Was there not, originally, an idea that these negotiations had to be dealt with within six months of the original date of the agreement, or is it the case that there is six months after the starting of these negotiations? Further, is it not true that at present everybody concerned is extremely satisfied with the way things are going?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that is quite right; there were certain delays at the commencement of these negotiations. We hoped very much that they would begin in January, but, in fact, there was further delay. For the moment, I think we had better leave it until a statement can be made, although I quite agree that the atmosphere appears to be very cordial. We are hoping for a favourable answer.