HC Deb 18 April 1983 vol 41 cc22-4W
Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance was given by his Department to the company Mitchell-Coutts in pursuing its claim for compensation from the Government of Uganda.

Mr. Rifkind

The negotiations leading to the formation of the present joint venture company in which the Government of Uganda hold 51 per cent. of the capital and Mitchell Coutts 49 per cent, were pursued by the two parties direct without the involvement of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. This Department and the British high commission in Kampala were kept informed of the progress of the negotiatios but we did not provide specific assistance to the British company.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance has been given by his Department to non-corporate claimants to gain compensation for assets seized by the former military Government of Uganda.

Mr. Rifkind

We have sent circular letters to claimants telling them about the enactment of the Expropriated Properties Act by the Uganda Government and summarising its provisions. Our high commissioner in Kampala has had discussions with the Uganda Government about the latter's intentions with regard to compensation and we have had similar discussions with the Ugandan high commissoner in London. We are on the point of passing information to claimants on the procedures which the Uganda Government wish to be followed to establish claims for compensation, and stand ready to give claimants copies of any documents we hold which might help them in drawing up their claims.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what local remedies are available in Uganda for United Kingdom citizens seeking compensation for assets seized by the former military Government.

Mr. Rifkind

The Uganda Government have enacted an Expropriated Properties Act which permits persons who were deprived of their property during the military regime in Uganda to apply to repossess their property. Generally speaking, if such applicaton is approved, the applicant will be required to return to Uganda to reside and he will not be able to sell his property for five years without the Minister's permission. The Act also provides for compensation to be paid to persons who do not apply to repossess their properties. The Uganda Government wish to receive written claims for such compensation.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of state for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether there has been any decision by the British high commission in Uganda not to register the presence of United Kingdom citizens in Uganda to negotiate compensation for assets seized by the former military Government of Uganda.

Mr. Rifkind

No. The British high commission encourages British visitors to Uganda to register their stay, however short.

Mr. George Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what he intends to do with the documentation his Department holds on claims by United Kingdom citizens for compensation for assets seized by the former military Government of Uganda;

(2) if he will arrange for the claims department of his Department to handle the fresh claims being demanded by the Ugandan Government for compensation for assets seized by the former military Government of that country.

Mr. Rifkind

I shall reply to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

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