§ VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARDMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any scheme in mind to compensate British citizens in Aden for the loss of their property and livelihood.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD SHACKLETON)My Lords, Her Majesty's Government will ensure that pensions and terminal benefits due at Independence are paid to all British civil servants employed by the local Governments in South Arabia, but I regret that we cannot assume financial responsibility in respect of British citizens who are not in Government employ. Her Majesty's Government will seek to ensure that the successor Government in South Arabia fully accepts its responsibility for ensuring that British lives and property are properly safeguarded after Independence.
§ VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARDMy Lords, I find it rather hard to thank the Minister for that reply. May I ask him how Her Majesty's Government intend to make any future Government in South Arabia recompense the 590 interests of British citizens who have lost property and livelihood?
§ LORD SHACKLETONMy Lords, I am sorry, but I did not understand the noble Viscount's supplementary question. My noble friend Lord Beswick has not had an opportunity to make an announcement on Business, because Statements, as is customary, are announced after Questions. But shortly after half past three I shall be making a Statement on the position in South Arabia, and that may help the noble Viscount.
§ VISCOUNT MASSEREENE AND FERRARDI thank the noble Lord.