HC Deb 27 November 1969 vol 792 cc589-91
7. Mr. Roebuck

asked the Minister of Overseas Development what progress has been made with the representations made to the Pakistani Government about the extinguishment of the pensions of former Pakistani Navy officers consequent upon their becoming United Kingdom citizens.

Mrs. Hart

The matter is still under consideration by the Government of Pakistan, who are being pressed for an early reply.

Mr. Roebuck

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that the full extent of the disappointment felt in this country at the attitude of the Government of Pakistan has been conveyed to them? Is she aware of the feeling here that such pensions are a form of deferred pay and that it is dishonest for the Pakistan Government to withhold this money? Will she represent that view to them with vigour?

Mrs. Hart

As my hon. Friend knows, there have been formal and informal representations made throughout the year by the British High Commission in Pakistan. The High Commissioner has himself taken up the matter only this week, and many of the points mentioned by my hon. Friend are being expressed to the Pakistan Government. Certainly the feeling which he has expressed has been conveyed to them.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

As one who, believe it or not, is a pensioner of the Pakistan Government, which I had the honour to serve, may I ask the right hon. Lady if she will vigorously take up this matter with the new High Commissioner and, if necessary, will she receive Members of this House interested in this matter if her representations to the new High Commissioner are not successful?

Mrs. Hart

As the hon. Gentleman recognises, the responsibility for conveying representations to the Pakistan Government has rested with our High Commissioner and with my colleagues at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, but I am in close contact with them and, if it would be helpful at any point for me, as distinct from one of my colleagues there, to receive hon. Members, I shall be delighted to do so.

Mr. Roebuck

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I will seek leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment.