HC Deb 09 May 1951 vol 487 cc1941-2
27. Major Guy Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British nationals are known to be serving prison sentences in China.

Mr. H. Morrison

So far as is known only one British subject, Mr. Charles Archer, is serving a prison sentence in China. He was convicted on a charge of murder in 1947. Four citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies, six Canadian citizens and three Australian citizens are held in detention by the Chinese authorities. They are not under sentence, and it has not so far been possible to ascertain when they will be brought up for trial.

Major Lloyd

Will the right hon. Gentleman continue to give close attention to this matter, as he will know that the Americans have discovered, by watching the situation closely, that many of their nationals, of whom they had no knowledge, are, in fact, either prisoners or suffering from considerable hardship at the hands of the Chinese?

Mr. Morrison

I will certainly see that the matter is closely watched. We have made representations.

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