1 JUNE 1979
Mid-
that
man.
(Vietnamese Refugees,
30
HONG KONG (VIETNAMESE
REFUGEES)
Mr. Ennals (by_private_notice) asked ecial the Secretary of State for the Home ntry Department if he will make a statement The about the settlement of Vietnamese that refugees in Britain and if he will say bject whether the Government have yet taken a decision about admitting to Britain those refugees, mainly children, rescued by the British ship “Roachbank ”.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. William Whitelaw): The ruthless behaviour of the Vietnamese authorities is creating a major problem in that region which must be of deep concern to the whole world. The Gov- ernment will continue to bring the maxi- mum international pressure on the Viet- namese to cease their shameful activities. Meanwhile we shall, of course, honour our international obligations in accord- ance with the law of the sea.
The refugees from the MV "Sibonga" will be arriving in this country over the next two weeks. They will be received by the British Council for Aid 10 Refugees and the Ockenden Venture to whom the Government are making available practical help and financial assistance. They will be acconimodated initially at reception centres in Hamp- shire and Staffordshire.
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As regards the refugees on board the Roachbank anchored in international waters off Taiwan, the Government have been using their best endeavours to per- suade the Taiwan authorities to accept their responsibilities, and we hope that some at least will be granted refuge there. However, in view of the time that has elapsed and in consideration for the captain and the crew and the passengers, many of whom are children, the Gov- ernment have decided that those not accepted by Taiwan will be brought to this country as soon as possible. They will be received in accommodation pro- vided by the Save the Children rganisa- tion.
The Government would like to take this opportunity of expressing warm appreciation of the efforts being made by the voluntary organisations.
Mr. Ennals: I am sure that the House will agree with the right hon. Gentleman
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