25. Mr. Edward Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in obtaining compensation for British assets seized in Indonesia.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleWe understand that the Indonesian Government are currently reconsidering the basis on which the claims submitted by British firms should be settled; and that the reconsideration should be completed this month. We hope that better progress will then be made.
Mr. TaylorHow long have these negotiations been proceeding, and how much British aid has been given to Indonesia in the interim?
§ Mr. RoyleThe negotiations have been continuing for some time. The Indonesian Government have given first priority to claims for resumption of control over estates. All major British claims for the return of estates have now been settled. The last British firm concerned, Anglo-Indonesian Plantations Ltd., 25 signed an agreement with the Indonesian Government on 18th November. I will be happy to publish figures of aid in the Official Report.
§ Mr. PagetWould not the hon. Gentleman agree that the development of backward countries depends to a great degree on the extent that they inspire confidence in individual traders and investors and that the way in which, in Tanzania and various other countries, assets have been expropriated without compensation does little good to the developing countries?
§ Mr. RoyleI agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman that expropriation without compensation does little good to any developing country.
§ Following are the figures:
| United Kingdom aid to Indonesia | |
| The figures for the past few years are: | |
| 1968–69 | £1.46 million |
| 1969–70 | £2.52 million |
| 1970–71 | £2.85 million |
| 1971–72 | £3.50–£4 million (estimated) |