HC Deb 19 June 1967 vol 748 cc1296-7

Queen's Recommendation having been signified—

Motion made, and Question proposed.

That, for the purposes of any Act of the present Session to make provision for, and in connection with, the relinquishment of Her Majesty's sovereignty over Aden, Perim and the Kuria Muria Islands, it is expedient to authorise—

  1. (a) the payment out of moneys provided by Parliament, and
  2. (b) the payment into the Exchequer,
of any sums required to be so paid respectively by virtue of any provisions of that Act relating to the Aden Widows' and Orphans' Pension Fund.—[Mr. George Thomson.]

11.41 p.m.

Mr. John Wells (Maidstone)

It will be within the recollection of the House that some years ago former civil servants in the Sudan had a rough ride. My hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Mr. Tilney) was very active in supporting their interest. May we have a categorical assurance from the Minister that no British subjects or their dependants will suffer in any way in this instance?

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. George Thomson)

Yes, Sir. Perhaps the best assurance I can give the hon. Member for Maidstone (Mr. John Wells) is that from the other side of the House I also was active on behalf of Sudan civil servants and others when independence Bills were passed. I have taken the opportunity to meet members of public servants organisations and I give the assurance that a very close watch will be kept on their problems.

Question put and agreed to.