HC Deb 24 October 1973 vol 861 cc1249-50
26. Sir T. Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will use his influence to ensure that any proposals made by the European Community at the Conference on Security and Co-operation regarding the Declaration on Human Rights, especially freedom of information and free movement of persons, apply equally to the countries of Eastern and Central Europe as to the USSR.

Mr. Anthony Royle

As the House knows, we believe that the conference could not succeed if no progress were made on freer movement of people and information. The proposals which we and our Community partners have put forward in this field would apply equally to all the participants.

Sir T. Beamish

I thank my hon. Friend for that reassuring reply, but will he assure the House that the British Government are setting a good example in this respect and that more stringent conditions are not being applied to those who seek asylum from the formerly independent countries of East and Central Europe than are applied to Soviet citizens? Is not my hon. Friend aware that there has been a good deal of anxiety about this matter recently?

Mr. Royle

I can give my hon. and gallant Friend that assurance.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is it correct that the USSR and other countries of the Eastern bloc have ceased to jam the overseas services of the BBC which, if it is the case, is very welcome?

Mr. Royle

I cannot be certain of giving my hon. Friend the correct reply, but I believe that that is so. I believe that jamming has ceased, but it may be that Bulgaria is still doing so.