§ Mr. Goughasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make representations to the Chinese People's Government in respect of its obligations for pensions to ex-employees of the Shanghai Waterworks Company Limited; and whether the Chinese People's Government is now prepared to pay compensation to the shareholders of that company in respect of the sequestrated property.
§ Mr. P. ThomasThe Chinese Government agreed, in May, 1956, to remit to the management of the Shanghai Water Works Company the sum of £13,710, which was the amount due to pensioners on 30th June, 1952. Despite further representations, the Chinese Government have not accepted liability for the payment of pensions after that date. On 10th January, 1957, Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires formally reserved the rights of the pensioners. I do not consider that any further representations would be useful at the present stage.
With regard to compensation for the sequestration of the Company, Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires last sent a reminder to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 22nd June, 1961. No reply has yet been received.