Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London SW1A 2AH
21 May, 1975
B
1658
You asked me in the House today about the point you
had raised during the Adjournment Debate on 13 May
concerning the admission to Britain of Vietnamese refugees
from Hong Kong and Chilean refugees. When I looked at the
Hansard for 13 May, I asked my officials to ensure that if
the points you raised were for us rather than for the Home
Secretary, I should send you a prompt reply. I understand
that when the matter was discussed with the Home Office, they
took the view that the matter was primarily the concern of
the Home Secretary. I understand that the Home Secretary
considers that he has answered your points in the answers
he has given to your Questions since 13 May and in particular
in the answer he gave to your priority written Question which
you should have received this afternoon. I am sorry about
this, but apparently the Home Office wanted to take it on.
Sir Frederic Bennett, MP
(JAMES CALLAGHAN)
blind copy sent to PS/Home Secretary.