HC Deb 27 July 1964 vol 699 c992
24. Sir P. Agnew

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the fact that the British holders of the first debenture stock of the Anglo-Argentine Tramways Corporation have not received compensation since the Corporation was nationalised in 1929, if he will give an assurance that before Her Majesty's Government conclude a financial agreement with the Argentine Government involving assistance to them from the United Kingdom he will require provision for the payment of reasonable compensation in this case.

Mr. Mathew

There is no financial agreement now being negotiated between Her Majesty's Government and the Argentine Government. The latter have, however, made preliminary inquiries about the possibility of obtaining various types of assistance for their development plan. Settlement of the Anglo-Argentine Tramways Company's claim will certainly have an important bearing on any discussions which we may have with the Argentine authorities in the context of aid.

Sir P. Agnew

As it is a very long time since the stockholders had their funds nationalised and they have received nothing at all yet, can my hon. Friend give the matter a very high priority in the discussions in regard to assistance with a view to some compensation being given?

Mr. Mathew

Yes, Sir.