§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many cases they know where British citizens or residents were deported from China, because of membership of or association with Falun Gong, since July 1999; whether they are aware of cases where visas to visit China have been refused to British citizens or residents for the same reason; if so, how many; and whether they are making representations to the Chinese Government on these matters. [HL3044]
§ Baroness AmosFive British citizens were deported from China on 14 and 15 February this year for "illegally preaching Falun Gong". A Swedish national, resident in the UK, was deported from China after taking part in a Falun Gong demonstration in Tiananmen Square on 20 November 2001.
The issuing of visas to China is a matter for the Chinese authorities. We are not aware of any cases where British citizens, or residents, have been refused a visa to China because of affiliation to Falun Gong.
Our embassy in Beijing has made official representations to the Chinese authorities about lack of consular access to the British citizens who were deported, their alleged mistreatment and confiscation of their belongings.