§ Mr. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many claims are outstanding from British citizens in respect of pensions due from the nationalised Indian coal industry; what representations have been made by Her Majesty's Government to secure the long overdue payment of these pensions; and what further steps Her Majesty's Government propose to take.
§ Mr. LuardI am aware of 24 British citizens who have outstanding claims to pensions due from the nationalised Indian coal industry. Repeated representations have been made on behalf of these pensioners both in London and in India. Both of the Indian nationalised companies have agreed to makeex gratia payments to the pensioners pending a full settlement of their claims, but no 135W payments have yet been received. We are continuing to press the Indian Government to implement the undertakings which have been given to these pensioners.