HC Deb 06 April 1960 vol 621 cc383-4
26. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will request the German Federal Government to publish the details of the special fund for stateless victims of Nazi persecution which is being established by them.

34. Mr. James

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the memorandum by Dr. Chmielowsky about the non-payment of compensation to stateless refugees of Nazi persecution, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Kemptown; what further action he proposes to take in respect of these refugees; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. R. Allan

The fund has not yet been set up by the German Government, so no details are yet available. I have read Dr. Chmielowsky's memorandum and can assure my hon. Friend that we are doing our best to promote a fair and early settlement for the stateless refugees.

Sir L. Plummer

Is the Minister aware that those of us who are concerned with the problem are grateful to his right hon. and learned Friend for the considerable efforts he has made with the Federal Government? Nevertheless, may I ask the Joint Under-Secretary to say to his right hon. and learned Friend that it is time that pressure was put upon the Federal Government to make clear to the 25,000 victims of Nazi persecution who are stateless and the 1,050 people who suffered from the medical experiments that were made upon them, what compensation they will get for their loss of liberty and loss of health?

Mr. Allan

I know that my right hon. and learned Friend will be grateful for the hon. Gentleman's remarks. I can tell him that my right hon. Friend the Minister of State yesterday sent for the German Ambassador and discussed this question with him.

Mr. James

Will my hon. Friend take note that feeling on this important matter is equally strong on both sides of the House?

Mr. Allan

Most certainly. I know that my right hon. and learned Friend appreciates that.