HL Deb 13 January 1987 vol 483 cc543-4WA
Earl Fortescue

asked Her Majesty's Government:

If they will outline the arrangements for the distribution of the monies received from the Soviet Union under the Claims Agreement of 15th July 1986.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)

The Foreign Compensation (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) (Registration and Determination of Claims) Order 1986 was laid before Parliament on 6th January 1987 and is due to enter into operation on 1st February. It provides for the Foreign Compensation Commission to register claims by British holders of Russian Bonds and to determine and value claims by British and Commonwealth applicants wishing to benefit from the original property and personal injury claims registered between 1918 and 1951. Advertisments will shortly be placed in the national press indicating how detailed information may be obtained by potential claimants under the order. It is intended that this order should shortly be supplemented by a further order in council setting out the detailed arrangements for the distribution of compensation to successful claimants.