§ 2.47 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 Her Majesty's Government how many British-born women in Czechoslovakia other than Mrs. Sispera desire to return to this country and what measures are being taken to assist them.]
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF READING)My Lords, in addition to Mrs. Sispera, there are at present eight other British-born wives who are known 595 to have taken unsuccessful steps, since January, 1953, to obtain permission to emigrate from Czechoslovakia and three who have sought to make short visits to the United Kingdom. A few others may shortly make similar applications. Numerous written and oral representations have been made on behalf of these women—the latest by my right honourable friend Mr. Nutting on July 7—and the Czechoslovak authorities can be in no doubt concerning the strong feeling which their treatment has aroused here. My latest information is that the Czechoslovak authorities have now stated that other cases are being benevolently considered.
§ LORD BIRDWOODMy Lords, arising out of the reply of the noble Marquess, may I ask a supplementary question? Are there not some 70 or 80 other British wives who might have pressed their claims to return to this country, had it not been for the motive of fear?
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, it is difficult to know how many there are, because, while a certain number deem it expedient to register with the consuls in the countries concerned, others think that in their particular circumstances it is imprudent to do so. It is therefore difficult to give any definite number. So far as those who are registered go, Her Majesty's representatives in those countries do everything possible to assist them.
§ LORD VANSITTARTMy Lords, while appreciating the difficulties to which the noble Marquess refers, might it not ease matters a little if the noble Marquess took some opportunity of conveying to the Czechoslovak representative here—or perhaps this notification would be enough—that some of us are in real earnest about this matter and will be suggesting means of pressure if these unfortunate women are not released?
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, it was the seriousness of the situation and its effect in this country, and consequently its repercussions upon the relations between this country and Czechoslovakia, that was the theme that my right honourable friend Mr. Nutting impressed at length upon the Czechoslovak Ambassador here, only on the 7th of this month.
§ EARL JOWITTMy Lords, I am very glad to hear that. To us on this side of the House it seems absolutely inhuman and uncivilised that people should not be allowed to come back to this country to see their parents and friends. I hope that representations will be made in the plainest possible way.
THE MARQUESS OF READINGMy Lords, I do not dissent for one moment from what the noble and learned Earl has said—indeed, representations have been forcibly and recently made.