§ Mr. Clemitsonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is satisfied with the treatment of British subjects working in Algeria; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HattersleyThere have been disturbing reports of British subjects employed in Algeria, for example, in teaching posts in universities and schools, who720W have experienced great difficulties and delay in obtaining the payments and other benefits specified in their contracts. British subjects have also been caused distress by the requirement of the Algerian Government that expatriates from most countries employed there should obtain an exit visa before being allowed to leave the country. It is obviously a cause for concern that there may be a critical delay in obtaining an exit visa, even where there are health or compassionate reasons for a British subject to wish to leave the country quickly. We have repeatedly drawn the attention of the Algerian authorities to this matter.