HC Deb 25 July 1960 vol 627 c1064
18. Mr. R. Carr

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he hopes to conclude the negotiations with the Japanese Government for the settlement of claims for compensation of British subjects arising out of the China incident.

Mr. R. Allan

I am glad to be able to say that we have recently received a fresh proposal from the Japanese Government. We are examining this, and I hope that a settlement may be reached soon.

Mr. Carr

Is my hon. Friend aware that the claimants in this case include not only commercial firms, who might be able to exist without undue hardship, but also many private individuals in straitened circumstances and of advancing age? Will he make quite sure that the new Japanese Government are aware of the very strong feeling there is that we should have a quick and satisfactory settlement?

Mr. Allan

I quite agree with my hon. Friend, and we much deplore the length of time it has taken to reach a settlement. We have, however, been assured that the new Japanese Government will honour the undertaking given by Mr. Kishi, which was contained in the joint communiqué issued after his visit here.