HC Deb 07 July 1976 vol 914 cc1369-70
The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Edward Rowlands)

I will with permission, Mr. Speaker, make a statement about Mrs. Dora Bloch.

When we first had news of the hijacking of the Air France airbus on 27th June, we inquired whether any of the Israel nationals among the passengers also had British nationality. Both Air France and the Israeli authorities later informed us that there was none still aboard. However, on Sunday 4th July we learned that among the hostages released in Kampala on 2nd July was a 74-year-old dual United Kingdom-Israeli national, Mrs. Dora Bloch, who had been admitted to Mulago General Hospital. The British Acting High Commissioner in Kampala was immediately instructed to assist Mrs. Bloch in leaving Uganda.

A member of the High Commission staff visited Mrs. Bloch on the evening of 4th July in the hospital. She was guarded by two men in plain clothes who indicated that she would shortly be taken to the Imperial Hotel in Kampala. An hour later the same evening the same official took food to the hospital for Mrs. Bloch but was denied entry at the main gate.

Since 4th July we and the High Commission have been trying to find out by every possible means where Mrs. Bloch is. A Ugandan police search produced no result. In response to a note from the High Commission requesting that her case be dealt with as a matter of the utmost urgency, the Ugandan authorities replied yesterday that they had no knowledge as to Mrs. Bloch's whereabouts. They went on to say that the Uganda Government ceased to be responsible for the hostages from the time of the Israeli operation. I immediately telephoned the Ugandan High Commissioner here to inform him that the Ugandan reply was totally unacceptable and that we expected further inquiries to be instituted.

The situation clearly gives cause for grave concern. However, before any conclusions are drawn about this case, we have decided that the British High Commissioner, who is at present in this country, should immediately return to Kampala to discuss the matter fully with the Ugandan Government. He will return to London to present a personal report.

Mr. Maudling

This is a matter of great concern to the House. One is tempted to use strong language about the Ugandan authorities, but I think that in the interests of Mrs. Bloch it would be unwise to do that.

Will the Minister note that we entirely agree that the Ugandan reply was unacceptable? We expect the Government to press the case with the utmost effort. In everything they do to assist Mrs. Bloch they will have our full support.

Mr. Rowlands

I am grateful for the right hon. Gentleman's response. We shall do everything possible to find out where Mrs. Bloch is and make sure that she returns safely.

Several Hon. Members rose

Mr. Speaker

I appeal to the House to leave the matter there.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

I should normally do so, Mr. Speaker, but Mrs. Bloch is the aunt of a constituent of mine, who is in great distress, and I should like to tell the Minister that I very much appreciate all that has been done so far by the Government and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. I hope that if necessary they will also call on the services of the Commonwealth Secretary-General if he can assist in any way in getting this lady out of Uganda.

Mr. Rowlands

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his remarks. I do not think that at this stage we should consider what other representations are necessary. I shall await the report from our High Commissioner when he returns.