§ 25. Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what advice Her Majesty's Ambassador has given British residents in Iraq in view of the situation in that country; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ProfumoIn view, of the general Iraqi restriction on exit permits imposed after the attempt on General Qasim's life, Her Majesty's Ambassador advised British subjects who were planning to make short visits to Iraq to defer their arrival until the exit restrictions had been lifted. These restrictions are now relaxed. Her Majesty's Ambassador's advice therefore no longer applies. No other advice has been given.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerAre we to take it from that Answer that the view of the British Government on the situation in Iraq is that it is now normal again?
§ Mr. ProfumoNo, I think the situation in Iraq is far from normal, but it does mean that these restrictions have been relaxed.
§ Sir C. Mott-RadclyffeWould my hon. Friend agree that unless British residents and visitors to Iraq receive reasonable treatment the Iraqi Government cannot expect school teachers, scientists, engineers and others to go there and assist in the development of their country?
§ Mr. ProfumoWhat my hon. Friend says is very true.