HC Deb 13 February 1969 vol 777 cc1552-3
16. Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his Department's present policy towards granting permission for the South Vietnamese National Liberation Front representatives to attend the Easter meeting of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.

Mr. Callaghan

A United Kingdom visa will on application be granted for this purpose to Madame Nguyen Thi Binh, a member of the South Vietnamese National Liberation Front Delegation in Paris.

Mr. Winnick

Is the Home Secretary aware that many people will be extremely pleased by the statement which he has made, as many of us have felt that the exclusion of N.L.F. representatives from entering Britain was totally unjustifiable?

Mr. Callaghan

Yes, Sir, I am aware that these views will be widely held. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister told the House some time ago that anyone who is prepared to come here to make a positive contribution to peace in Vietnam would be encouraged, and I trust that this lady is coming for that purpose.

Mr. Lubbock

Does the Home Secretary recall that when previous applications for visas have been made by members of the N.L.F. or people from North Vietnam these have been refused by the Home Office? How has he arrived at this decision which, although very welcome, conflicts with those made on previous occasions?

Mr. Callaghan

Because there has been a change of circumstances which may have escaped the notice of the hon. Gentleman.