§ 2.42 p.m.
§ LORD VANSITTARTMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether any "diplomatic" missions other than the Soviet have been abusing their privileges by endeavouring, directly or indirectly, to intimidate refugees or to coerce them into illicit activities.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (LORD HENDERSON)My Lords, His Majesty's Government have reason to suspect that certain missions have from time to time attempted to exert pressure on refugees, particularly those who still have relatives in their countries of origin. A close watch is being kept for such activities, and should any evidence of them come to hand prompt and appropriate action will be taken.
§ LORD VANSITTARTMy Lords, I am very glad to hear those epithets "prompt" and "appropriate," because I feel that if it were realised that anybody detected in indulging in these illicit activities would be expelled, the safety of the refugees in this country would be markedly enhanced.