HC Deb 25 April 1956 vol 551 cc1775-6
33. Mr. M. Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations will be made to the Hungarian Government to secure the payment to Mr. L. E. Bressey, a British subject, of the sums of money due to him.

Mr. Nutting

Her Majesty's Government are at present negotiating with the Hungarian Government for the settlement of British claims under the Treaty of Peace with Hungary, including those of Mr. Bressey. Separate representations have been made in Budapest about the transfer of the arrears of the pension and rent due to him but, so far, without success. Current pension payments are being made to him by the Hungarian Government.

Mr. Stewart

Does the right hon. Gentleman remember that only one considerable sum has been made available to Mr. Bressey, in the form of an account he could use only if he travelled to Hungary, which, in view of his age and infirmity, he cannot do? Is the right hon. Gentleman also aware that two other considerable sums, to which Mr. Bressey has an undoubted right, are withheld from him altogether, and that if something is not done fairly soon Mr. Bressey may never be in a position to benefit from the payments that are undoubtedly due to him?

Mr. Nutting

I appreciate all that, and we shall certainly do our best about it.