HC Deb 26 June 1967 vol 749 cc13-4W
59. Sir W. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the facts that heads of agreement concerning the compensation to be paid to British shareholders in the Port of Para Agreement were signed in June, 1966, and the Presidential Decree authorising the first two payments was signed on 9th March, 1967, what are now the administrative problems; when he last discussed this with the French Ambassador in Rio de Janeiro; and why he has not also consulted the World Bank and the United States of America about this matter.

Mr. Mulley

I understand that the decree of 9th March authorising the opening of credits must be supplemented by further administrative action to define the procedure for payment. Her Majesty's Embassy are in constant touch with the

Mr. Fernyhough

The information which is necessarily approximate is given in the following table:

Brazilian Government and French Embassy. In the light of the assurances which Her Majesty's Ambassador has received from the Brazilian authorities, we have not yet thought it necessary to consult the World Bank or the United States Government, but if the delay continues we shall consider, in conjunction with other interested parties, what further steps we should take.