HC Deb 24 June 1953 vol 516 cc1876-7
7. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any reply has yet been received from the Soviet Government to the two approaches that have recently been made by Her Majesty's Government for exit visas for Russian wives of British subjects to enable them to join their husbands in this country.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The Soviet Government have returned an unfavourable reply to the representations made in April by Her Majesty's Ambassador. Her Majesty's Government do not regard that reply as final.

Mr. Dodds

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman convey to the right quarter that many of us take a very dim view of the fact that in recent weeks two lots of women married to Americans have been allowed to leave the country? Particularly in the case of Mrs. Hall, who has been confined to the Embassy for over six years, the situation seems to be disgraceful in view of all the facts. If the Russians want a better understanding with the ordinary people of this country, should they not allow these women to rejoin their husbands?

Mr. Lloyd

I entirely agree with what the hon. Gentleman has said.