§ 1. Captain Ryderasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that German compensation law is dealing with all categories of victims of Nazi aggression; and, in particular, that the claims of stateless persons are receiving the same priority.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. R. H. Turton)No, Sir. As the House has been informed, this matter has been the subject of representations to the Federal Government by the Allied High Commission. These representations will be the subject of official talks with the Federal Government which open next week. I shall keep my hon. and gallant Friend informed.
§ Captain RyderWill my hon. Friend also investigate the position of those members of the various underground movements, because information reaching me is that recent interpretation of the 1953 law appears to exclude them from any benefit?
§ Mr. TurtonPerhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will communicate with me on that subject.
§ Mr. FernyhoughWill the hon. Gentleman impress on the Federal Government the anxiety of a number of people now residing in this country who have put in claims at the delay in dealing with their claims?
§ Mr. TurtonI think that if the hon. Gentleman refers to replies given by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Melton (Mr. Nutting), on 21st July, he will see that the Government are fully alive to this problem and the difficulties and delays that have taken place. Talks are now proceeding.