HC Deb 13 June 1979 vol 968 cc258-9W
Mr. Wall

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many Vietnamese refugees have passed through or are now in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement as to their proposed eventual destination.

Mr. Blaker

Since 1975, some 72,000 Vietnamese refugees have arrived in Hong Kong, nearly 50,000 of them this year. About 11,000 have been allowed to settle there. A further 9,565 have been resettled in third countries. On 12 June 51,785 were in Hong Kong awaiting resettlement. Their eventual destinations are a matter for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in consultation with the Governments of potential resettlement countries.

Mr. Wall

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will again raise the question of the refugees from Vietnam with the United Nations and demand international action to solve this growing problem.

Mr. Hurd

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has proposed that a special conference should be convened under United Nations auspices to consider the grave situation arising out of Vietnam's inhuman policies, and international action to resettle the refugees.