22. Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much compensation has now been paid by the Indonesian Government to compensate British firms and individuals for their assets seized in Indonesia.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleAll the major British claims for repossession have been settled. We await the Indonesian proposals for settlement of the compensation claims to which I referred in the answer I gave my hon. Friend on 23rd October. The terms of settlement are of course a matter for the Indonesian Government and the claimants.—[Vol. 843, c. 778.]
Mr. TaylorIs it not rather disturbing that 10 years after the seizure of assets in Indonesia no compensation appears to have been paid to the plantation companies whose assets were seized? Is this not also disturbing as Britain's aid to Indonesia has increased and is increasing?
§ Mr. RoyleMy hon. Friend will be aware that the Indonesian Government invite, claims from British companies and 23 indicated its willingness to negotiate with the firms concerned. It would be inappropriate for the British Government to attempt to intervene, and our object is to secure the early opening of negotiations. I do not believe that a reduction in the level of our aid to Indonesia would help to secure an early settlement of outstanding claims for compensation there.
§ Mr. MaclennanHow can the Minister say that terms of compensation are a matter between the claimants and the Government of Indonesia when it is an established principle of international law that the terms of compensation must be prompt, adequate and effective—something which it is the business of the British Government to ensure?
§ Mr. RoyleThe details of negotiations between the firms and the Indonesian Government are matters for the firms themselves. In this case the Indonesian Government's first priority was the settling of claims for repossession. Claims for compensation were lodged three years or more ago.