§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs from which countries, and on what occasions, British citizens have been provided with travel to the United Kingdom from foreign countries out of public funds without being required to repay the costs incurred; and why this procedure was not adopted for those leaving Israel during the Yom Kippur war.
§ Mr. LuardUnited Kingdom citizens repatriated either because of individual372W difficulties or during a general evacuation are ordinarily required to repay any expenses incurred on their behalf by Her Majesty's Government. However, a departure from general practice was made over evacuation from Cyprus in 1974 when wholly exceptional circumstances, not applying in the Middle East War of October 1973, prevailed and RAF aircraft provided the only means of leaving the island. I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the statement on Cyprus made by my right hon. Friend on 31st July 1974.—[Vol. 878, c. 796–801.]