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Written Answers
Hong Kong (Vietnamese Refugees)
31 JULY 1981
Dr. Edmund Marshall asked the Lord Privy Seal why the number of Vietnamese refugees in Hong Kong has increased by 246 between 15 April and 23 July; and whether he will make a statement on the present position there.
Mr. Ridley: Between 15 April and 23 July, there was an increase of 1,669 in the number of Vietnamese refugees who had previously been resettled in the People's Republic of China and who are to be returned to China. The number of refugees who came directly from Vietnam decreased by 1,423 during the period.
South Africa (Oil Supplies)
Mr. Dobson asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps the Government have taken to enforce their policy that neither British oil nor Norwegian oil from the North Sea landed at British ports is supplied to South Africa.
Sir Ian Gilmour: The Government have made clear to companies exporting North Sea crude that they expect them to do so in the markets of our International Energy Agency and European Community partners or where there is an existing pattern of trade. The oil companies are well aware that the Government attach considerable importance to this matter and we would not expect them to ignore our policy. The disposal of oil lifted in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea is primarily a matter for the Norwegian Government.
Mr. Dobson asked the Lord Privy Seal what are the arrangements made by British oil companies whereby North Sea oil has been swapped for other oil supplied to South Africa.
Sir Ian Gilmour: Any such arrangements would be a matter for the companies concerned. From contacts with the major British oil companies we believe that instances of such arrangements have been very rare.
Cyprus
iKKirs Knight asked the Lord Privy Seal what steps he
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is, taking to further the implementation of the United Nation resolutions on Cyprus, calling for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Cyprus, respect for the independence, sovereignty and non-alignment of the Republic of Cyprus, and the safe return of the refugees to their homes.
هد
Sir Ian Gilmour: Intercommunal talks under the auspices of the Secretary-General of the United Nations are entering a particularly important stage following the completion of elections in Cyprus. The Government are giving full support to the United Nations and remain willing to assist in any way which the Secretary-General and the parties would find helpful.
"Britain's Dwindling Voice"
Mr. Nicholas Winterton asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has received the report "Britain's Dwindling Voice" published by the Association of Broadcasting Staff and the National Union of Journalists; and if he will make a statement on his response to it.
Mr. Ridley: We have received copies of the report. It contains various errors and misleading statements
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particularly on the substantial amount of new money which the Government are prepared to contribute to stop the BBC's voice dwindling, subject to a contribution from the BBC. Specific points in the report are being dealt with in correspondence and in Parliament.
Peking (English Language Newspaper)
Mr. Whitney asked the Lord Privy Seal what assistance the British embassy in Peking has provided for the launching of the Chinese-sponsored English language newspaper in Peking; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Ridley: We welcome the recent launch of the English-language China Daily. The principle sources of advice and assistance have been newspaper publishing organisations from Britain and elsewhere in the English- speaking world. The British embassy has also provided and continue to provide additional help and material, for example, BBC bulletins, Government news releases, photographs, back-copies of British newspapers and reference books.
South Africa
Mr. Nicholas Winterton asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he has any plans to visit South Africa in the near future.
Mr. Luce: My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so.
Mr. Nicholas Winterton asked the Lord Privy Seal whether officers of his Department have had general discussions with officials of the South African Embassy since 3 May 1979.
Mr. Luce: Officials of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are in regular contact with officials of the South African embassy on issues covering all aspects of Anglo- South African relations.
Overseas Students
Mr. Gordon Wilson asked the Lord Privy Seal how many visitors, students and trainees on engineering and industrial studies programmes the British Council placed on courses in the United Kingdom in August 1980.
Mr. Ridley [pursuant to his reply, 24 July]: In August 1980, 83 pcople arrived in Britain to follow courses and programmes in engineering and industrial studies under the auspices of the British Council.
DEFENCE
Chemical Bombs (Storage)
Mr. Frank Allaun asked the Secretary of State for Defence if the Government now plan to store chemical bombs in Great Britain; and, if so, which.
Mr. Blaker: No.
Falkland Islands
Mr. Wigley asked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he intends taking in relation to the defence of the Falkland Islands following the withdrawal of HMS "Endurance".
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