HC Deb 15 December 1978 vol 960 cc496-7W
Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the reception in the United Kingdom of the latest group of refugees from Vietnam.

Mr. John:

I assume that the hon. Member refers to a group of 70 Vietnamese refugees who arrived in the United Kingdom on 6th December, and who are part of a group who were picked up when in peril on the high seas by the MV "Anco Sceptre ".

They have come to the United Kingdom under a standing arrangement that where vessels registered in the United Kingdom rescue refugees in these circumstances we shall, where they are required, give undertakings to accept for settlement in the United Kingdom any of them who have not been settled elsewhere within an agreed period.