HC Deb 12 June 1967 vol 748 cc73-4
7. Mr. Bob Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further representations he has made to the Burmese Government about the delay in lifting exchange control restrictions to enable British citizens who have spent years in the service of their country to withdraw their life savings.

Mr. William Rodgers

We are continuing to do all we can to persuade the Burmese Government to authorise remittances in these cases, and I have myself lately made representations to the Burmese Ambassador. Representations have also been made in Rangoon.

Mr. Brown

In view of the limited amount of exchange involved, and the disproportionate distress being caused to individuals, would not my hon. Friend agree that the attitude of the Burmese Government is parsimonious, to say the least?

Mr. Rodgers

I do not think I would chose to put it in those terms, but I agree that it ought to be possible to solve this problem without too much difficulty.

Dame Irene Ward

I am grateful that the hon. Gentleman is making representations, but may I ask him what results he has had from them? This, surely, is the point. When are we going to get a satisfactory answer from the Burmese Government? Is not there something that we can do to stimulate them?

Mr. Rodgers

It is precisely the point. We have made representations over a considerable period. I have made some again lately to the Ambassador, and I think that for the moment we must await a reply from him.