HC Deb 29 November 1962 vol 668 cc634-6
10. Mr. Goodhew

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a further statement on the evacuation of British women and children from the danger area of Assam.

Mr. Tilney

The Indian authorities, both military and civilian, were keenly aware of the problem of our large scattered community in Assam. The Indian Army and Administration gave every possible assistance so that action could be taken in good time. I should like to pay particular tribute to the work of the Indian Air Force, who in fact carried the majority of British citizens and whose consideration and kindness were beyond praise. Our Deputy High Commissioner in Eastern India went up into Assam for eight days and has reported the most friendly co-operation he had from the civil and Service authorities.

Thanks are also due to the Royal Air Force for the assistance they gave, in agreement with the Indian authorities, and to our Deputy High Commissioner in Eastern India and his staff who played a valuable part in the success of this undertaking.

Mr. Goodhew

Is my hon. Friend aware that the whole House will wish to associate itself with the sentiments he has expressed and the thanks that he has mentioned as being due to all those who have taken part in these operations?

Mr. Tilney

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I should like to add that I met a number of wives who had been moved by the Indian Air Force, and they all expressed their gratitude to that Force. They were also very grateful to the British and Indian civilians who received them in Calcutta.

Mr. Sorensen

Has any charge been incurred by those carried home? Secondly, will they be able freely to go back to Where they were living, once a propitious time is reached?

Mr. Tilney

On the second part of the hon. Member's supplementary question, it all depends what happens in Assam. Perhaps he will put down a Question about the first part of his supplementary question.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Has not the Minister a few words of praise for the labourers on the tea plantations in Assam who commendably stuck to their jobs? In view of the fact that some of these tea companies are very prosperous, does not the Minister think that the occasion should be celebrated by the recommendation of a rise in pay?

Mr. Tilney

I want to stress that the British community left the tea plantations only on orders of the Indian military authorities. Those who have gone back to the tea gardens—and it is mainly men who have done so—have been loud in their praise for the work done in their absence by the employees of the tea estates.