§ 3. Mr. KINGasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the exact charge on which Mr. Hughes has been imprisoned by the Colombian Government; when he was first imprisoned; for what length of time he was in prison; how long on bail; and whether a date for his trial has been fixed?
§ Sir E. GREYThe charge against Mr. Hughes is one of "maltratamiento," or serious bodily injury, punishable by a long term of imprisonment. He was first arrested on 21st February, was released however and rearrested and imprisoned later, being kept in prison about a month. He has been on bail during the remainder of the time since the incident, which occurred on 20th February last year. The Colombian Government state that the case cannot be decided before March. I have not heard that a definite date has been fixed for the trial.
§ Sir E. GREYI have told the hon. Gentleman that the last representation I made was that proceedings should be brought, not that they should be proceeded with at all.