HL Deb 25 February 1982 vol 427 cc1009-10

3.7 p.m.

Lord Saint Oswald

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are in contact with every British subject in Poland since the proclamation of martial law on 13th December last, or whether there is any case where access has been refused or prevented by the authorities.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Trefgarne)

My Lords, initial restrictions on travel and communication made contact with British subjects outside Warsaw difficult, but urgent guidance was given via the BBC World Service. In the past two months, consular teams have visited those areas with the largest concentrations of British subjects and postal, telegraphic and partial telephone services have been restored. In no case has access been refused.

Lord Saint Oswald

My Lords, I thank my noble friend.