HC Deb 13 July 1955 vol 543 c1917
23. Mr. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what news he has received, since 6th July last, about Phyllis Sispera and other British-born wives of Czechoslovak nationals; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I am glad to say that since the reply given by my right hon. Friend on 6th July, Mrs. Sispera has returned to her home in Prague and that the Czechoslovak authorities have granted her permission to return to this country with her children.

The Czechoslovak authorities have stated that they will consider benevolently the cases of other British-born wives who wish to return home. The hon. Member can rest assured that we are doing all in our power to help.

Mr. Gower

May I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer, and indeed, for the exertions of himself and his colleagues at the Foreign Office on behalf of these wives? Is it not a sad commentary on progress in the last hundred years that representations of this kind would not have been necessary in 1855?

Mr. Hastings

When is it expected that this lady and her children will actually return to this country?

Mr. Macmillan

I am not absolutely certain, but they have granted her permission to return, so that matter is fixed. With regard to the others, we have had a statement from the Czechoslovak Government that they will look benevolently on those cases, and what I want to do is to try to make sure those women are allowed to return. That is the most important thing, and that is what we are striving to do by the best means in our power.