HC Deb 20 November 1957 vol 578 cc384-5
32. Mr. H. Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, following the agreement reached with the Hungarian Government in 1956, the Foreign Compensation Committee has been empowered by Order in Council to determine and assess claims for losses or expropriations suffered by British subjects in Hungary; and when its work will be completed.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ian Harvey)

The Answer to the first part of the Question is "No, Sir"; and to the second, that once the Order in Council has been made, the date of completion of the work of the Foreign Compensation Commission under this Order will depend on the date of completion of Hungarian payments.

Mr. Fraser

Would not my hon. Friend consider it now, as more than a year has elapsed, and more than six years have elapsed since the expropriation of British subjects? Would it not be as well to set on foot measures to have claims investigated? Otherwise there will be more examples similar to those of the Egyptian claimants who are rapidly dying off.

Mr. Harvey

Regarding putting the matter on foot, drafting work is still in progress, but it is complicated. The question of laying an Order does not cover the payments. What governs the distribution is the payments by the Hungarians which inevitably will take some time. That is not affected by the laying of the Order.

Mr. Fraser

Surely it is important to assess these claims while the people are still living and their memories are still fresh? Surely investigations should be started now?

Mr. Harvey

The assessment of the claims has been going on for a considerable time. The Question referred to the laying of the Order.