HC Deb 23 November 1949 vol 470 cc346-7
22. Mr. Lester Hutchinson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that Miss Krene Pavlides, a British subject, who was sentenced to death by a military court in Athens on 5th March, 1949, for the alleged distribution of leaflets, and whose sentence has since been commuted to life imprisonment, is now to be transported to a prison on one of the Aegean Islands; and if he will now, in view of Miss Pavlides citizenship, her youth, and the nature of the alleged offence, press the Greek Government energetically to repatriate her to her home in Cyprus.

Mr. Mayhew

I have no information to suggest that there is any intention of moving Miss Pavlides to an Aegean island. His Majesty's Government would, however, welcome a decision by the Greek authorities to deport her to her home in Cyprus, and representations in this sense have already been made to the Greek Government.

Mr. Hutchinson

While thanking my hon. Friend for his statement, which I am quite sure will bring hope to this girl's family, may I ask will he not take into consideration the long time this girl has spent in prison since he first promised to intervene and will he make most energetic representations that she should be deported home at the earliest possible opportunity?

Mr. Mayhew

I think my answer shows that we are taking suitable action already.