§ Lord GRIDLEYMy 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 discussions with President Eanes over Portugal's application to join the European Community included mention of compensation for British farmers whose property has been expropriated by the Portuguese Government.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)My Lords, during the visit of President Eanes last November the subject of compensation for dispossessed British farmers was raised, but not in connection with Portugal's application to join the European Community.
§ Lord GRIDLEYMy Lords, while I thank the noble Lord for that Answer, may I ask him on what principles Her Majesty's Government rely to safeguard the interests of British nationals in these cases, and, if sometimes these seem to be intractable or difficult, would not a healthy growl from Her Majesty's Government perhaps be more appropriate?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSMy Lords, there is a time and place for healthy growls and for friendly smiles. In this case, with a very old friend and ally—our friendship with Portugal extends back through the centuries—and one whom we should be delighted to see as a member of the European Community, we have had very amicable and construc- 288 tive discussions on this point. Of course, the basis of our approach is the law and practice of the individual member States of the Community as it is. In addition, when the matter was raised during President Eanes' highly successful State visit to this country last November, the President himself said that the complementary legislation on compensation which would enable detailed discussion of claims to take place was in an advanced state of preparation. Therefore healthy growls are by no means necessary in this case.
§ Lord GRIDLEYMy Lords, may I ask the Minister to confirm whether, in the agreement reached in respect of compensation in certain cases, it has been suggested that compensation would be payable over only 27 years, to be fully paid, and that interest would be charged at 2½ per cent? If so, is that really equitable in the cases to which I have referred?
§ Lord GORONWY-ROBERTSI could not confirm those details, my Lords, and nor would I attempt on this occasion to pass comment on the equity of the proposal. However, I know that the Portuguese Government have accepted the principle and embodied it in an enactment, and they have told us that the complementary processes are in an advanced state of preparation.