26. Mr. Edward M. Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress he has made in his discussions with the Indonesian Government regarding compensation for British assets seized in Indonesia.
§ Mr. William RodgersI understand that good progress is being maintained in the negotiations between the individual British companies concerned and the Indonesian Government. Most companies are seeking to negotiate agreements for the return of their properties rather than for the payment of compensation. Her Majesty's Government are helping whenever required.
TaylorWould the hon. Gentleman agree that the sums involved are considerable—about £200 million—that the negotiations have been marked by intolerable delays and that, in many cases, Her Majesty's Government's letters have not been acknowledged or answered? Does the hon. Gentleman see a satisfactory solution emerging in the near future?
§ Mr. RodgersI do not think that there have been intolerable delays, although I understand the impatience of companies which must negotiate these difficult and and often complex deals. It is significant that already there have been agreements on the resumption of operations between a number of firms. We are satisfied that progress is being made, but we will certainly push as hard as we can.