§ 9. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has now discussed the question of compensation for Mr. J. Topham, of Gloucester Street, Brighton, with the Cuban authorities; and what is the present position.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyHer Majesty's Ambassador at Havana raised the case of Mr. Topham with the Cuban Foreign Minister again on 17th April last. The Minister undertook to take the matter up personally with the Cuban Minister of Defence, and to let Her Majesty's Ambassador know the result as soon as possible. My right hon. and learned Friend is awaiting a report from our Ambassador, and I shall send the information to my hon. Friend as soon as we have received it.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes my hon. Friend realise that this matter has now gone on, I believe, for well over a year and is causing considerable embarrassment to a very hard-up family in my constituency? Could he tell us what result Lord Reading had from the statement and request he made on his last visit to Cuba?
§ Mr. HarveyI share the anxiety of my hon. Friend in this matter. I can give him an assurance that we will press this matter. I am afraid I cannot disclose any experience that Lord Reading may have had.