§ 13. Mr. J. Edenasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations he has made to the Indian Government concerning the release of Barry J. Heddon, a British Overseas Airways Corporation steward, now held on bail in Calcutta; what reply he has received; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlportNone, Sir. The case is still before the Indian Courts, and has been adjourned until 29th June, bail having been granted. I will send my hon. Friend further details.
§ Mr. EdenWill my hon. Friend say why this matter has taken such a long time already and what is being done by the Deputy High Commissioner's Office to attempt to speed it up? Can he tell me what representations were made by the 1373 Deputy High Commissioner against the treatment this man received while held at Calcutta Gaol?
§ Mr. AlportThe speed or otherwise of the courts in India is a matter for the Indian judiciary, and not for me, but the man in question has been granted bail and is at the moment, as I understand it, living in an hotel in Calcutta and is satified with the representations which have been made on his behalf by his legal advisers. I can assure my hon. Friend that our representatives in Calcutta are watching this case, but it is a matter primarily for the operation of the normal processes of the law in India.