HL Deb 17 July 1984 vol 454 c1474WA

The situation again varies from country to country. Emigration from the Soviet Union has reached its lowest level since the CSCE process was first started. Emigration from the GDR on the other hand increased substantively from January to April 1984, but then decreased.

In the field of information there was little change. Jamming of foreign radio transmissions continued, although in some cases at a slightly reduced level. Otherwise existing restrictions on the media, the activities of journalists and the dissemination of information in Eastern Europe remained generally unchanged. There has been some increase in the number of allegations levelled at Western journalists in the USSR.

The Soviet authorities have given notice that as from 1st August this year, the practice of pre-paying customs duty on parcels in this country (and probably others) is to end. Many Soviet recipients of parcels will find it difficult to pay the high duty involved, particularly on clothing.

A decree of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet at the end of May tightened up on the implementation of regulations on the supervision of foreigners in the USSR—e.g. rules on residence and transport. Failure to observe them now attracts fines of 10 to 100 roubles.