HC Deb 10 February 1960 vol 617 cc456-7
40. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of agreements for compensating Nazi victims entered into between the Federal German Republic and a number of countries associated with Her Majesty's Government in the 11-Power démarche; and whether Her Majesty's Government will take steps to reach an appropriate agreement on this issue with the Federal German Republic.

Mr. Profumo

Yes, Sir. I informed the House on 27th July last that Her Majesty's Government had opened discussions with the Federal German Government on this subject. We are doing all we can to expedite these discussions.

Mr. Janner

Will the right hon. Gentleman press the view that all persons who are British subjects at present and who have been persecuted and have suffered in consequence of Nazi victimisation at any time and in any place should be included within an agreement so as to provide for compensation if they are not receiving compensation under the German compensation law?

Mr. Profumo

I will certainly consider that or anything else that the hon. Gentleman says on this matter.

Mr. Gower

Has any approach been made to the East German Government to ascertain whether they will pay compensation similar to that now being paid by the West German Government in respect of these people who have suffered so much?

Mr. Profumo

So far, we have been dealing in these matters with the West German Government, whom we recognise.