HC Deb 17 November 1954 vol 533 cc32-3W
51. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the restrictions placed by the Indonesian authorities upon the British agricultural and industrial businesses, worth about £150 million, in that country that the majority of British trading firms are to be liquidated by the Government; what negotiations he is holding about the terms of such liquidation; and what representations he has made about the treatment of British interests generally.

Lord John Hope

Her Majesty's Government are aware that there is a strong demand for increased Indonesian participation in all forms of economic activity within the country. Where this operates to the detriment of British interests, Her Majesty's Government are always ready to make representations. But reports hitherto received do not lead to the conclusion that the Indonesian Government intend to liquidate British firms at present active in that country. Her Majesty's Government are, however, watching the situation carefully.