HC Deb 24 June 1959 vol 607 cc1169-70
4. Mr. Remnant

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made this year to the Egyptian Government for the release of Mr. Swinburn and Mr. Zarb; and with what result.

11. Mr. Dodds

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how long Mr. James Swinburn and Mr. James Zarb have now been confined in an Egyptian prison; what are their prospects of release; and, in view of widespread concern that little has been done on their behalf, what efforts are still being made to secure their release.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Mr. Swinburn was arrested on 27th August and Mr. Zarb on 28th August, 1956.

Her Majesty's Government are, of course, most anxious to secure their release and are continuing to do what they can to bring this about. It is, however, not possible to say what the prospects are. Nor would it be helpful to reveal the various channels through which representations have been made.

Mr. Remnant

Would my right hon. Friend agree that it is high time that these sentences were reviewed and that if, in fact, the Egyptian Government do want to resume friendly negotiations with Her Majesty's Government, this would be a very acceptable preliminary to such resumption?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I very much agree with what my hon. Friend says.

Mr. Bevan

Will the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of his right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary to the possibility of representations being made by Her Majesty's Government to other Governments when they mistreat our subjects abroad?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

That is a very different question.

Mr. Dodds

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why there has been so little activity in these cases when there is feverish activity in other cases? As there are so many guilty men with regard to Suez sitting on the Government Front Bench, why is not more being done? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many citizens feel that it all depends who one is as to what sort of justice one receives as far as our Foreign Office is concerned? Surely the right hon. Gentleman will tell us much more than he has so far.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I do not accept any of what the hon. Member has said. I can assure him that very active steps are continually being taken to see that these men are released.

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