HC Deb 04 February 1965 vol 705 cc332-3W
Mr. Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what time limit has now been fixed as the latest date for applying to the Foreign Compensation Commission for compensation in respect of property in the United Arab Republic sequestrated as a result of the Suez incident; what action should be taken by persons unable to quantify their loss before the expiry of any such time time; and what steps are being taken to inform all those affected.

Mr. George Thomson

The 31st of March, 1965, has been fixed by the Foreign Compensation Commission (Egyptian Claims) (Amendment) Rules, 1964, which came into force on 1st January 1965, as the latest date for the receipt by the Commission of applications under Part IV of the Foreign Compensation (Egypt) (Determination and Registration of Claims) Order, 1962, in respect of property in the United Arab Republic sequestrated at the time of the Suez incident.

Every person who wishes to make a claim should submit an application to the Foreign Compensation Commission on or before 31st March, 1965, whether he can quantify his loss or not, otherwise he will be too late.

If when required to formulate his claim he is still unable to quantify his loss, he may provide the best estimate he can of the value of the property in its undamaged state and amend this to the actual amount of the loss as soon as it is ascertained. The Commission will inform every applicant of the procedure.

The Amendment to the Rules was laid before Parliament on 30th December, 1964, as the Foreign Compensation Commission (Egyptian Claims) (Amendment) Rules Approval Instrument, 1964.

The Commission has made arrangements for the publication of a notice in a number of national newspapers and official and professional journals, drawing attention to the time limit of 31st March, 1965. A similar notice is being published in newspapers in those Commonwealth countries where a number of claimants are known to be living. Her Majesty's Missions and Consulates abroad, and High Commission Offices in Commonwealth countries where appropriate, have been asked to exhibit a similar notice and a copy of the amendments to the Rules.