§ Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Rhodesian regime with a view to securing the release of Rhodesian political prisoners; and whether he will make provisions in the United Kingdom for the maintenance of the families of these detained prisoners.
§ Miss Joan LestorSuccessive British Governments have pressed the Rhodesian authorities to release detainees or bring them to trial. From time to time some have been released, and several of these have come to this country. As to dependants, it seems likely that most of them would be reluctant to leave their relatives detained in Rhodesia and come to this country themselves. However, if individuals wished to do so, I am sure that their cases would be sympathetically considered by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, having regard to the usual criteria for entry to this country.