§ Mr. Christopher Priceasked the Lord Privy Seal what discussions have taken place or agreements made with the Government of Pakistan about the reception in the United Kingdom and the granting of refugee status to those Pakistanis, at present in Syria, taken there from custody in Pakistan after the hijack in 1981.
§ Mr. HurdHer Majesty's Government have received representations from the Government of Pakistan about the Pakistani prisoners released in Damascus in March 1981. The nature of these representations must remain confidential. Her Majesty's Government have not entered into any agreement with the Government of Pakistan about the former prisoners. It is for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to decide on questions of asylum.