§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what special measures he is considering in view of the increasing numbers of murders among various Arab groups in London in recent years.
§ Mr. WhitelawI am determined to ensure, so far as I can, that London is not used as a battleground for Middle Eastern factions, and this has been made clear to the Governments of the countries concerned. Immigration staff at ports and posts abroad are well aware of recent incidents and make counter-terrorist measures a high priority. With effect from 19 May all Iranian nationals seeking to enter this country have, like Iraqi and Libyan nationals at present, to be in possession of a valid entry visa obtained from a British overseas post. The police for their part are devoting an increasingly successful effort to the combating of terrorist crimes and the apprehension of those responsible. In addition, my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office announced on 12 May—[Vol. 984, c. 846–47]—that the Libyan authorities have agreed at the request of the United Kingdom Government to withdraw four Libyans connected with their mission in London who have been involved in activities which are incompatible with their functions.