§ 6. Mr. Doddsasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the present position with regard to the claim by oil companies for compensation for oil stocks which disappeared in the closing days of the fighting in the Far East in the Second World War.
§ Mr. DigbyThe claim was heard by a Singapore court in August and, on 9th September, judgment was given against the claimants. An appeal has been entered and is expected to be heard in February, 1956.
§ Mr. DoddsWhile thanking the hon. Gentleman for that additional information, may I ask whether the claim is in connection with the oil that we captured from the Japanese at the end of the war?
§ Mr. DigbyI do not think it would be right for me to comment on this matter at all as it is sub judice, and there is even the possibility of further appeals after the next case is heard.