§ 31. Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to assist potential asylum seekers in their country of origin; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have obligations towards refugees who are within the United Kingdom or at our ports, but we have no obligation to encourage or assist would-be asylum seekers around the world to come here. Our diplomatic and aid efforts to encourage good government and promote respect for human rights can mitigate the circumstances which give rise to refugee outflows.