HC Deb 28 March 1955 vol 539 cc5-6
6. Mr. Gough

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in discussions with the Chinese Government relating to the blocked pension funds of retired employees of the Shanghai Waterworks Company Limited; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Turton

On 29th November last Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires at Peking addressed a Note to the Chinese Government asking them to take steps to arrange for the payment of pensions to the former pensioners of the Shanghai Waterworks Company. No reply has been received to this Note.

Mr. Gough

Will Her Majesty's Government impress upon the Chinese Government that the withholding of this comparatively small sum of money is causing a very grave hardship to a small number of elderly and ageing people who, in their time, have given very great service to the Chinese people?

Mr. Turton

Yes, Sir. We made it clear to the Chinese Government that we hold them responsible for the meeting of this and all other outstanding obligations of the company, and we shall continue to press that on the Chinese Government.

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