§ Mr. WilshireTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he intends to take to seek compensation from the French Government for British businesses and tourists who suffered financial loss during the recent French lorry drivers' dispute.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleI have been asked to reply.
We made it clear to the French Government in July that British hauliers would be lodging claims for compensation with the French Government and that we supported these claims. Other countries acted similarly. Regrettably, the French Government have said that they do not intend to pay compensation, though they have not yet responded to all the claims submitted.