HC Deb 12 February 1963 vol 671 cc183-4W
Dr. D. Johnson

asked the Lord Privy Seal what representations he has made to the Argentine Government over the past six months concerning the payments due to Argentine railway pensioners; when the last payment was made to these pensioners; what was the rate of exchange; and what was the rate of exchange when the agreement for the payment of these pensions was made in 1948.

Mr. Heath

During the past six months various representations have been made to the Argentine Government through the diplomatic channel about the payments due to Argentine railway pensioners of British nationality. According to our latest information, payments to pensioners living in Argentina were last made in January of this year. The last payments to pensioners living outside Argentina, including those living in the United Kingdom, were made shortly before Christmas, 1962. These payments were for the period July/August, 1962. The rate of exchange at the time of payment was about 380 pesos to the pound. The agreement for the sale of the railways came into effect in February, 1948. At that time the rate of exchange was 19 pesos to the pound. The peso value of pensions has since been increased on several occasions.