§ 45. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Anglo-Argentine Tramways are included in the present negotiations with the Argentine Government concerning debts to this country; and what is the present position concerning the claims for compensation by British holders of this company's debentures.
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerThe company's claim for compensation is at present before the Argentine courts. Nevertheless, in view of the company's readiness to enter into direct negotiations with the Argentine Government, the importance which Her Majesty's Government attach to a satisfactory settlement of the dispute will be made known to the Argentine delegation during the Anglo-Argentine trade negotiations which are due to take place shortly.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes the hon. Gentleman realise how grateful the creditors will be to have this reply? Is he further aware that the present Argentine Ambassador in London and the Argentine Government have pointed out that they are most willing, if possible, to come to some arrangement on this matter, and will he continue to press, from the Government's point of view, the fact that there are many hundreds, if not thousands, of very poor people in this country who have waited many years on this matter?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerYes, Sir.