HC Deb 17 May 1965 vol 712 cc1002-3
59. Sir B. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the German authorities regarding the necessity of providing full compensation for those victims of the Nazis who are excluded under the present law because they were living in Eastern Europe on October 1953 or were otherwise unable to claim by that date.

Mr. Padley

Her Majesty's Government have drawn the attention of the Federal German Government to the widespread concern expressed in this House and elsewhere that all persons who suffered Nazi persecution should be equitably treated in the matter of compensation.

Sir B. Janner

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. In view of the fact that the final decision in respect of these claims is to be made very shortly in Germany, will my hon. Friend make a further attempt to bring the Germans to realise the importance of this very necessary provision for the victims of Nazism?

Mr. Padley

Her Majesty's Government have no formal standing in this, but, without going into the details of specific categories, we have made known to the Federal German Government our concern about this matter and our sympathy with the request made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. If we judge it appropriate and useful, we shall certainly make further representations.

Sir T. Beamish

Is the Minister of State aware that a certain number, although not a large number, of those excluded from compensation under the present laws and the new draft laws are not in fact British subjects and that the British Home Office has a direct responsibility? Will the hon. Gentleman look at those particular cases?

Mr. Padley

Yes, certainly, but it is difficult to renegotiate a treaty which is 10 years old. We hope that the Federal German Government will be generous when they amend the Indemnification Law.

Captain W. Elliot

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are many Poles in Germany who have received nothing from the Germans in compensation for what they suffered? I understand that the reason was that the West German Government did not recognise Poland. Now that they do recognise Poland, will the hon. Gentleman take up this matter with them?

Mr. Padley

I shall certainly bear that point in mind, but this matter is determined by a treaty negotiated 10 years ago. Although we can make representations, the hon. and gallant Member will, I am sure, recognise that there are difficulties.

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