§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress of payments out of the International Fund for Needy Victims of Nazi Persecution. [146815]
§ Mr. VazThe UK's £1 million contribution to the fund was fully allocated by 1999. Over $41 million of the total $60 million has been contributed to the fund, and over $30 million has been allocated.
All contributing Governments agree that speedy allocation and effective use of resources are top priorities. The UK has continued to urge rapid disbursement by other contributors.
§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress on the compensation scheme promoted by Germany for slave labour victims of the Nazis. [146816]
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§ Mr. VazFinal agreement on the fund was reached in July 2000. The German Government have pledged DM5 billion and German industry is expected to contribute the same amount, though there is still a shortfall in the latter category. The German authorities hope disbursement will begin in the first half of this year.
Claims can already be lodged: UK claimants should make their application through the International Organisation for Migration; Jewish claimants should contact the Conference on Jewish Material Claims against Germany.