HC Deb 01 August 1962 vol 664 cc101-3W
84. Mr. W. Yates

asked the Lord Privy Seal what progress has been made in his discussions in Cairo on compensation to those whose property in Egypt

entered employment in each of the following categories, namely, apprenticeship to skilled occupations, employment leading to professional qualification, clerical employment, employment with training not covered by the preceding categories, and other employment.

Mr. Hare

The figures for the period 1st April to 30th June, 1962, are as follows:

was taken over by the Government of the United Arab Republic in 1956 and thereafter.

Mr. P. Thomas

British subjects whose property in Egypt was "Egyptianized", or who have suffered loss on property while it was under sequestration, can claim against the Compensation Fund of twenty-seven and a half million pounds, which was duly paid by the United Arab Republic Government under the Financial Agreement of 1959, and which is being distributed by the Foreign Compensation Commission. Interim payments out of this Fund are at present being made on the scale laid down in the Order-in-Council of 27th November, 1961. British subjects whose property was sequestrated, but not Egyptianized, are able to obtain its release and return to them or to their agents under the provisions of the Financial Agreement of 1959 and, so far, 80 per cent. of the applications made have resulted in successful releases. It is hoped that the rate of release of the remaining properties will shortly be accelerated.

Property affected by the nationalisation laws of July, 1961, is not covered by the 1959 Financial Agreement. The method of paying compensation for such property was laid down in the relevant laws.

85. Mr. W. Yates

asked the Lord Privy Seal what progress has been made by Her Majesty's Government in the negotiations with the Government of the United Arab Republic concerning compensation payments to British subjects for breach of contract and loss of pension rights; and to what extent Her Majesty's Government have discharged their own responsibilities in these respects.

Mr. P. Thomas

I think that my hon. Friend has in mind the officials who were dismissed by the Egyptian Government in 1951. The question of the balance of compensation to be paid by the Government of the United Arab Republic is one of the matters under current discussion with the Government of the United Arab Republic, and I hope to be able to make an announcement before the House rises.

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