HC Deb 12 February 1958 vol 582 cc386-7
41. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Maltese who are recognised as United Kingdom subjects but not as Maltese citizens are now left in Egypt, Tripoli and Tunisia; and, in view of the fact that only nationals of these countries are allowed to obtain most kinds of work, what steps he will take to try to arrange for these people to emigrate to Australia and elsewhere.

Mr. Ian Harvey

The approximate figures are 1,000 in Egypt, 2,100 in Tripolitania and 6,500 in Tunisia. The assisted passage scheme for Maltese British subjects in Egypt is at present in abeyance, but 766 persons who were formerly resident in Egypt were assisted to emigrate to Australia from this country in 1957. The question of giving further help to Maltese British subjects who wish to emigrate to Australia from Libya and Tunisia is at present under consideration.

Mr. Teeling

Will my hon. Friend do his level best to try to help these people, who, as he will be aware, are making every effort to try to get out, especially from Tunisia, where they certainly are not wanted? Furthermore, does my hon. Friend realise that since some of these people are two generations British, the Maltese Government will not allow them to go back to Malta?

Mr. Harvey

Yes, Sir, we realise this problem. Apart from the financial angle, however, a serious difficulty is the shortage of available passages.