005
Written Answers
British Citizens (Repatriation)
22 DECEMBER 1982
45. Mr. Grimond asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs upon what conditions British citizens living abroad are repatriated at the public expense.
Mr.
Rifkind: Destitution is the criterion for repatriation. British nationals who are legally entered residents entitled to welfare facilities in another country, particularly Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United States of America, South Africa and certain West European countries, do not qualify.
Henderson Island, South Pacific
Mr. Dalyell asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria he proposes to apply to the application for residence on Henderson Island, South Pacific, by Mr. A. M. Ratliff of Anchor Corporations, Grundy, Virginia, United States of America; and what regard he proposes to have to the possible environmental consequences of permanent human habitation of the island.
Mr. Rifkind: All relevant factors, including environ- mental questions, will be considered carefully, with the criterion being the overall best interests of Pitcairn and the Pitcairners.
Hong Kong (Vietnamese Refugees)
Dr. Edmund Marshall asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Vietnamese refugees there are at the latest date in Hong Kong.
Mr. Rifkind: On 20 December 1982 there were 12,779 Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong.
Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Hong Kong
Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why the Hong Kong Attorney- General decided in June that no charges would be made following the independent commission against corruption investigation into defective medical equipment at the Prince Philip dental hospital.
Mr. Rifkind: It would be inappropriate for me to make statements about the facts of individual investigations by the independent commission against corruption, including whether or not consideration has been given to possible prosecution.
Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning the investigation made by the independent commission against corruption into defective equipment now in use at the Prince Philip dental hospital, Hong Kong.
Mr. Rifkind: A separate investigation is at present in progress. It would be inappropriate for me to comment at this stage.
Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the Hong Kong Government will carry out the inspection into the defective equipment at the Prince Philip dental hospital.
Written Answers
606
Government have appointed a team of experts to investigate the engineering safety aspects of all medical and related equipment at the Hospital. The investigation is now in progress. It will cover any equipment which may in any other respect be defective.
Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what equipment has been found defective at the Prince Philip dental hospital, Hong Kong; and what action has been taken to rectify faults;
(2) what is the cost of the equipment installed at the Prince Philip dental hospital, Hong Kong, which is considered to be defective; and the estimated cost of replacement, repair or modification;
(3) what was the country of manufacture of the equipment found to be defective at the Prince Philip dental hospital, Hong Kong.
Mr. Rifkind: Until the team of experts referred to in my answer to the hon. Member's previous question has completed its investigations, it is not appropriate for me to give an answer to these questions.
Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what system of tendering was used for the purchase of (a) the equipment in the Prince Philip dental hospital, Hong Kong, which was found to be defective and (b) other equipment in the hospital.
Mr. Rifkind: I refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave earlier.
Tenders for specialised dental equipment were invited by the University of Hong Kong by public notice in the Hong Kong Givernment Gazette and selection, on the recommendation of the university, was by a special committee of Hong Kong Government and university representatives. Tenders for standard furniture and equipment were by sealed bids invited by open tender.
Independent Commission Against Corruption, Hong Kong
Mr. Parry asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Hong Kong Government are satisfied with the working of the independent commission against corruption; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Rifkind: Yes, the Hong Kong Government are satisfied with the working of the independent commission against corruption.
British Citizens Abroad (Custody)
Mr. Dubs asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens are currently being held in custody abroad (a) serving prison sentences and (b) awaiting trial.
Mr. Rifkind: To the best of our knowledge, there are currently 734 United Kingdom citizens in custody abroad, 440 serving prison sentences and 294 awaiting trial.
Iran
Mr. Arnold asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about relations with Iran.
Mr.
Mr. Rifkind: At the request of the board of governors
Hurd: We maintain diplomatic relations with the of the Prince Philip dental hospital, the Konaic Republic of Iran, and have made it clear to the
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RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51
5 JAN1983
PA
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
NO
REGISTRY ¡Action TataK
755% GB $1
COL.
31
DATE 2312.82
605 ...34