HC Deb 20 November 1957 vol 578 cc386-7
34. Mr. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far he has been able to obtain compensation for Mr. Topham from the Cuban Government; and what is the present position concerning the trial of Mr. Topham's assailants.

Mr. Ian Harvey

I regret that no compensation has been paid to Mr. Topham so far. However, the Cuban authorities have now sent additional "interrogatories" to their Embassy in London and I hope that when these "interrogatories" have been completed and returned it will be possible to make further progress with this case. My hon. Friend can rest assured that we shall continue to press the matter.

Mr. Teeling

Does my hon. Friend realise that this poor man's case has gone on for over a year? Is not it time the Government did something about these evasive replies? Has my hon. Friend made any reply to the Cuban Government?

Mr. Harvey

My hon. Friend knows perfectly well the problems of this case and that responsibility for them lies squarely on the shoulders of the Cuban Government. We have made that clear to them.