HC Deb 10 March 1953 vol 512 cc1126-7
45. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a further statement on the offer made by the Hungarian Government in regard to the release of Mr. Sanders.

The Prime Minister

Since my statement in reply to the hon. Gentleman's Question on 2nd of March, the Sultan of Perak has commuted the death sentence on Lee Meng to one of life imprisonment. I am, however, not yet able to make a statement with regard to the Hungarian Government's offer in this matter.

Mr. Davies

I take it from the Prime Minister's reply that he stands by the answer he gave to a supplementary question last week, in which he said that once the capital sentence had been resolved, then it did not exclude further consideration of this matter, and does that mean that the principle of exchange in this case has not been entirely rejected?

The Prime Minister

Yes, I think that certainly is the fact.