§ 5. Mr. Doddsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what is the position with regard to the claim by oil companies for compensation for oil stocks that disappeared in the closing stages of the war in the Far East in 1945; and if he will name the oil companies concerned.
§ Mr. SoamesIt was decided on legal advice not to appeal to the Privy Council against the judgment referred to in the Answer given to the hon. Gentleman on 4th June, 1956. That claim has, therefore, been met. The names of the claimants were N.V. de Bataafsche Petrloeum Maatschappij and N.V. Nederlandsindische Aardolie Maatschappij and N.V. Standard-Vacuum Petroleum Maatschappij.
§ Mr. DoddsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are many people in this country who feel that the oil companies have had far too much money already from the British people? Can he tell us how much money has been paid over in this case?
§ Mr. SoamesThe sum involved is £724,000. Although the hon. Gentleman feels as he does, the fact remains that this was a legal decision by which we are bound to abide.