§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Lord Privy Seal what was the total cost of repatriating the five British citizens from Rio de Janeiro on 16 June; and if he will set out the individual charges against each person.
§ Mr. BlakerI regret that it has not been possible to obtain this information in the time available. I shall write to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Lord Privy Seal why no arrangements were made to meet the British Airways flight BA 323 from Paris on 16 June when five British citizens who were repatriated from Rio de Janeiro arrived in a destitute state.
§ Mr. BlakerThe circumstances of the British nationals referred to did not appear to require exceptional arrangements.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Lord Privy Seal why no arrangements were made to ensure that the five British citizens who were repatriated from Rio de Janeiro on 16 June were able to proceed to their homes instead of being stranded without funds on arrival in London.
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§ Mr. BlakerNormal practice where possible is to provide repatriates with rail tickets to their place of residence. I am looking into why this was not done in this case and will write to my hon. Friend. The British seamen concerned were given a small sum of money before leaving Brazil and the availability of the services of the Department of Health and Social Security explained. The men's relatives were also advised of their arrival details.