§ 1. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position concerning war damage compensation for British and Maltese subjects in Tunisia; whether he is aware that many British subjects are still awaiting payment; what effect the transfer of power from France to Tunisia has had on the Anglo-French Agreement; and what steps he is taking to secure expeditious payment of compensation.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Douglas Dodds-Parker)Under the Anglo-French War Damage Agreement of 1954 British 1620 nationals receive the same treatment as French nationals as regards compensation for war damage in French overseas territories, including Tunisia. I am informed that the Tunisian authorities are in fact handling claims without distinction of nationality and that a number of British claims have already been partly or wholly settled. The French Government have been asked to ensure that the interests of British claimants do not suffer in the process of the transfer of power.
As regards the last part of the Question, Her Majesty's Government could only consider intervention on behalf of a British claimant if it appeared that he was demonstrably receiving treatment inferior to that accorded to a French national in similar circumstances.
§ Mr. TeelingIs my hon. Friend aware that in 1954 the present Foreign Secretary assured us that this was to be dealt with very soon and very quickly? That is now two years ago and there are still many British subjects, especially Maltese, who are not receiving payment; and is it not a fact that many French people are?
§ Mr. Dodds-ParkerIf my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind which he would wish to bring to my attention, I will consider it, but my information is that payments are proceeding.