§ 46. Dr. Kingasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the commutation of the death sentence on Lee Meng, he will now reconsider the question of exchanging this prisoner for Mr. Sanders.
§ The Prime MinisterI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Enfield, East (Mr. Ernest Davies) on 10th of March.
§ Dr. KingWill the Prime Minister bear in mind that whatever we may think of the Sanders trial, the two countries concerned with these two prisoners each regard their prisoner as an enemy of the State, arrested for committing hostile actions against the State, and that there can be no dishonour in a fair exchange of such prisoners, which would bring happiness to one British family?
§ The Prime MinisterOne of the features which should not be overlooked is that there are not two countries but three countries involved in this matter.
§ Mr. Ernest DaviesDoes the Prime Minister appreciate the desirability of arriving at an early decision on this matter in view of the human factors involved? Can he indicate when he is likely to be able to make a statement as to the decision which has been taken? Can I ask him whether, if a Question is put down for, say, Tuesday of next week, he would be in a position to give an answer?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that I very well might be. Of course, I can only speak for a decision taken by Her Majesty's Government.