HC Deb 19 December 1955 vol 547 cc1652-3
49. Mr. Willey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British nationals are detained by the Hungarian Government; and in what circumstances.

Mr. Turton

Of the 76 citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies known to be still in Hungary, three have received permission to leave, three persons of dual British and Hungarian nationality and one Cypriot who is solely British have applied for and are now awaiting exit permits. So far as I am aware, none of the others has applied to leave Hungary.

Mr. Willey

In view of the fact that a number of former employees of the Embassy are still detained, will Her Majesty's Government seek to take every opportunity that offers itself to seek their release and to end the present detention which, I believe, is in all cases without trial?

Mr. Turton

Where a person has dual nationality, Her Majesty's representative in Hungary has no standing formally to intervene.

Mr. Paget

Has the Cypriot gentleman shown any objection to exercising his rights as a British citizen?

Mr. Turton

No, Sir. Unfortunately, the Cypriot has been in trouble with the Hungarian police and his application will be dealt with when that is cleared up. He is alleged to have uttered insulting remarks about a Hungarian Communist leader.

Mr. Nicholson

Can my right hon. Friend tell me whether Her Majesty's Government or the consuls there are quite certain that they have cognisance of the whereabouts of all British subjects behind the Iron Curtain?

Mr. Turton

No, Sir. Her Majesty's representatives can only have cognisance of those British subjects who notify them of their whereabouts. If British subjects do not wish Her Majesty's representatives to be acquainted of their whereabouts, it is not possible for Her Majesty's representatives to know where they are.