HC Deb 09 April 1968 vol 762 cc204-5W
41. Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs on what date Mr. Natubhai Patel, a Kenya civil servant with a British passport, applied to the British High Commission in Nairobi for written proof that Great Britain accepted him as a British national, proof which he requires to take up a post in Zambia; and what reply has been given.

Mr. Whitlock

Mr. N. C. Patel, a holder of a United Kingdom passport, reported to the British High Commission in Nairobi on 4th March that he had been refused admission into Zambia on 2nd March even though he held a three-year Zambian work permit because he was unable to show that he was free to enter the United Kingdom. The British High Commissioner in Lusaka is seeking clarification of the Zambian Government's policy in this respect and the High Commission at Nairobi has meanwhile been instructed to issue Mr. Patel with an appropriate certificate which we hope will satisfy the Zambian authorities.

42. Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy with regard to applications of British citizens of Kenya-Asian origin who wish to take posts in other countries, but who require written proof that Great Britain accepts them as her nationals before they are able to enter the countries in which they wish to work.

Mr. Whitlock

So far, only Zambia has refused entry to United Kingdom citizens of Kenya-Asian origin who wished to take up employment. The British High Commission in Lusaka is seeking clarification of the Zambian Government's policy on which no official statement has been made. Meanwhile, British High Commissioners in neighbouring countries have authority to issue, in urgent cases, certificates showing that the holder is eligible for admission in due course to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what has been the result of his efforts to persuade other Commonwealth countries to receive from Kenya Asian immigrants holding United Kingdom and Colonies passports.

Mr. Whitlock

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given earlier today to the hon. Member for Rowley Regis and Tipton (Mr. Archer).