HC Deb 18 November 1959 vol 613 c1157
9. Mr. Peart

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he is making to secure the early release of Mr. James Zarb, who is still imprisoned in Egypt.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Our pleasure at Mr. Swinburn's release was qualified by the knowledge that Mr. Zarb remained in custody. I am deeply concerned about Mr. Zarb's case, but I ask the House to accept that public discussion of this matter is likely to retard the result we all desire.

Mr. Peart

Yes, but I think it is right to raise these issues here because James Swinburn has been referred to as my constituent and I was pleased that the general amnesty applied to him. I should have thought that, in view of the better relations between this country and that part of the world, it might well be possible for an approach to be made, because I believe that James Zarb should not be forgotten.

Mr. Lloyd

I do not disagree with anything the hon. Gentleman has said.