§ Lady Saltoun of Abernethyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have received any assurance from the Government of Vietnam that Vietnamese nationals returned to Vietnam from Hong Kong will be provided with ration books or other documentation necessary to enable them to buy food.
§ Lord ReayThe Vietnamese authorities have given assurances that those returning to Vietnam will be treated humanely. They have also agreed that the condition of returnees can be monitored. This will be undertaken initially by Her Majesty's Embassy in Hanoi, but will be reinforced by a visit as observers by the noble Lord, Lord Ennals, and Mr. Tim Raison. The purpose of this monitoring will be to establish whether the returnees are subject to discrimination. We are providing assistance to help with the integration of returnees and their families.
§ Lady Saltoun of Abernethyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Vietnamese deported from Hong Kong on 11th December were given any notice of their imminent deportation and, if so, how much? And if not, how long were they given to prepare themselves and their families for departure?
§ Lord ReayIn late November/early December the returnees were informed that they would be repatriated to Vietnam. The reasons for their repatriation were fully explained to them. A few days before their departure a UNHCR representative told the returnees that repatriation would take place before mid-December.