§ 18. Mr. Teelingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what recent information he has about the trial of 1133 Mr. Topham's assailant in Cuba; what compensation has so far been offered to Mr. Topham; and what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to see that no fighter aircraft will be delivered to the Cuban Government until this British subject's claim has been settled.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe court-martial has been fixed for 20th January, 1959. So far, no compensation has been offered to Mr. Topham. As regards the last part of the Question, there is no reason to believe that the decision of the Cuban Government over Mr. Topham would be affected by any considerations relating to the supply of arms.
§ Mr. TeelingDoes my right hon. Friend realise how much my constituent will feel relieved that my right hon. Friend is taking a personal interest in this matter? In view of the fact that this has gone on now for more than two years, we can at least wait another two months, but can my right hon. and learned Friend assure us that if anything goes wrong he will do everything he can to ensure that something effective is done to put the matter right?
§ Mr. LloydI agree that this matter has gone on far too long, but that has not been the fault of my hon. Friend nor of the Foreign Office, because we have made constant representations about the matter. I sincerely hope there will be no further postponement.