HC Deb 16 July 1956 vol 556 cc834-6
17. Mr. Gibson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what assistance or advice has been given by the British representative in Palermo, Italy, to Mr. E. G. Preston, a British subject and a member of the crew of the motor vessel "Padma", which was seized, on a charge of smuggling, by the Italian authorities on 20th April, 1955; whether he is aware that this man has been held in prison since that date without trial; and whether he will institute inquiries into this matter immediately with a view to his release.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Her Majesty's Consul at Palermo has been in close touch from the first with the lawyers appointed by the owners of the "Padma" to defend the crew. From June, 1955, when the lawyers' request for Mr. Preston's release on bail was refused, Her Majesty's Consul repeatedly pressed the local judicial authorities for his release, while Her Majesty's Embassy in Rome made repeated representations to the Italian authorities to that end.

Mr. Preston

was provisionally released on 7th June, 1956, and left Italy for Gibraltar on 12th June.

Mr. Gibson

Is the Minister aware that this is rather a disgraceful incident of a British crew, about whose arrest there has been serious disagreement, at any rate, in that they denied being within the three-mile limit? Is he aware that the crew, apart from Mr. Preston, have been held in custody for 15 months without being tried? Surely the British representative there could do something to get the Italian authorities to bring these men before the courts and to try them or release them?

Is he further aware that the men are complaining very bitterly about their treatment in prison and that, because of it, some of them have gone on hunger strike as a protest? Does he not think that the British representative in Palermo should take more vigorous action to get this case cleared up?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that most vigorous action was taken, but judicial processes in other countries are not always as swift as in this country, particularly on the charges which were lying in this case.

Mr. Robens

How vigorous have the British Government been on the case? Is it true that a British subject can be kept in prison by the Italian Government for fifteen months without being brought to trial, and that Her Majesty's Government have done little or nothing about it, and in any case with no result?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

As I said in my answer, from June, 1955, when the lawyers' request was refused, we have repeatedly pressed the local judicial authorities for his release. In addition, the Ambassador in Rome took this matter up. As I say, judicial processes on the Continent are not always as swift as in this country, and on the charges lying against this crew they are usually slow.