§ Mr. Ripponasked the Prime Minister whether she will introduce legislation to protect the rights of British nationals to compensation based on the full value of any property or other assets acquired by the Government or any other public authority and to ensure British nationals the same rights as must be afforded under international law to foreign nationals holding British assets; and whether she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI do not consider that it is appropriate to introduce legislation in general terms for the 399W protection of rights of British nationals to compensation for property and assets acquired by the Government or any other public authority. Nor do I think that any statutory formula for application in all circumstances would ensure that compensation would be adequate. If there were to be any such acquisitions in the future, requiring new statutory authority, this Government would expect to introduce proposals for fair compensation in the measure presented to Parliament.