HL Deb 03 August 1972 vol 334 cc611-2WA
LORD AVEBURY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the British Consul at Lille visited the 21 United Kingdom passport holders from East Africa now at Boulogne on July 26, and under what authority he told them that, if they applied to go to India, their applications would be considered sympathetically by the Indian Government.

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

Her Majesty's Consul-General at Lille visited the 21 United Kingdom passport holders at Boulogne on July 26. He explained that because they did not possess special vouchers they could not be given an unfair advantage over those waiting for vouchers and gain admission to the United Kingdom. The group were advised to apply for re-entry to the country of previous residence, India, and wait their turn for vouchers. They were not told that such applications would be considered sympathetically by the Indian Government.

LORD AVEBURY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What contributions were made by the Italian Government towards the living costs of 56 United Kingdom passport holders in Turin since July 9; on what date these contributions ceased and whether Her Majesty's Government will offer to reimburse the Italian authorities for this expenditure; if so what will be the cost to the British taxpayer; and what arrangements are now being made by Her Majesty's Government for the upkeep of these persons.

BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE

I understand that a daily subsistence allowance of 3,000 lire was paid from Italian official funds to each of the 56 United Kingdom passport holders at Turin from July 5 to 31, 1972. The decision to pay this sum was taken by the Italian authorities.

Assistance at public expense which may be given to distressed British subjects overseas includes repatriation to the United Kingdom and relief when such repatriation has been authorised. This rule does not discriminate against United Kingdom passport holders of Asian origin. It would be inequitable to provide financial assistance to those who get into difficulties while attempting to bypass the voucher queue when no payments are made to those waiting their turn.

House adjourned at seventeen minutes past eleven o'clock.