§ 1. Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how soon he expects to reach agreement with Japan, in connection with the claims for losses suffered by Britons during the Sino-Japanese war.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Robert Allan)Negotiations are still going on. Progress has been made and we hope that we are near a settlement.
§ Mr. DempseyWould the Joint Undersecretary of State bear in mind that one of my constituents has waited so long for this restitution that now she is an old-age pensioner? In view of the fact that such folk do not qualify for retirement pension in this country, will he expedite these proceedings to ensure that they do have justice at the earliest possible moment?
§ Mr. AllanYes, I am aware that this has taken a long time. We are in constant touch with the Japanese authorities both here and in Tokyo, and we are prepared to make further representations at a high level.