HC Deb 19 December 1966 vol 738 cc997-8
34. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Paris talks, in relation to British-Indonesian relations.

Mr. Padley

The discussions to which my hon. Friend refers are still in progress.

Mr. Dalyell

What is the attitude towards the re-scheduling of debt which Her Majesty's Government have taken up?

Mr. Padley

We are, of course, only one creditor among several taking part in the Paris talks and by no means the largest, but we are using our influence to achieve a speedy and realistic settlement of the problem. The talks in Paris are due to end on 22nd December.

Mr. Colin Jackson

Would not one helpful factor be the dispatch of British technicians to Indonesia to help get going again such industries as the sugar and rubber plantations?

Mr. Padley

Of course we welcome the recent action of the Indonesian Government in restoring British property to British owners and lessees, and the point which my hon. Friend makes can be considered after that.