§ 1. Mr. Onslowasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the refusal of the Ceylon Government to release the assets of British subjects who have left Ceylon on retirement to settle elsewhere; and what replies he has sent.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Anthony Royle)Representations are received from individuals from time to time. The Exchange Control Regulations imposed are of course a matter for the Ceylon Government, but in cases of real hardship the facts have been put to the Ceylon authorities by the British High Commission in Colombo. We are watching the position closely.
§ Mr. OnslowWill my hon. Friend tell us whether, in cases of real hardship, there has been any positive response from the Ceylon Government? Will my hon. Friend also undertake to draw the attention of the Ceylon Government that in a situation like this, where a number of people are denied access to their perfectly fairly earned life's savings, Ceylon can 3 hardly expect to go on receiving British aid indefinitely?
§ Mr. RoyleWhen considering aid we should bear in mind Ceylon's difficult foreign exchange position. To cut aid would not improve its position and might well have an adverse effect on such transfers as Ceylon is at present able to authorise. We are continuing to watch the position very closely.