HC Deb 16 April 1996 vol 275 cc372-3W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the Government have made to representatives of the Indian Government regarding the recent arrest and detention of Bhutanese refugees voluntarily returning to their country; and what future representations are planned concerning this matter. [25408]

Mr. Hanley

We are aware of these arrests and detentions. We have made no representations to the Indian Government, but continue to monitor the situation closely with our EU partners.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what humanitarian aid and assistance the Government are currently providing for Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. [25410]

Mr. Hanley

In the last financial year, we provided £100,000 for projects to assist Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. No application for funding has yet been made for this financial year.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what future meetings and discussions the Government are planning to hold with the Governments of Bhutan, Nepal and India regarding the situation of Bhutanese refugees. [25406]

Mr. Hanley

We have no plans to hold discussions with the Governments of Bhutan, Nepal and India regarding the Bhutanese refugee situation. We believe that the problem is best solved through bilateral negotiation between Bhutan and Nepal.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent meetings have been held with representatives of the Bhutanese refugees currently exiled in camps in Nepal. [25409]

Mr. Hanley

Our ambassador in Kathmandu visited the Bhutanese refugee camps in Jhapa last month and talked to representatives of the refugees. A representative of the refugees also called on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 22 March.

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