§ 46. Mr. Warbeyasked the Lord Privy Seal what arrangements have now been made to terminate the detention of the three Bahreinis imprisoned in St. Helena.
§ 54. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Lord Privy Seal what consideration he has now given to the release of Bahreini prisoners now in custody at St. Helena; and with what result.
§ Mr. HeathI regret that it is not possible for me to make a statement at this moment, but I will do so as soon as possible.
§ Mr. WarbeyMay we hope that there will be an early statement, in view of the fact that the present Chancellor of the Exchequer gave an undertaking that representations would be made for the termination of the sentence of these men and the righting of this scandalous miscarriage of justice? Can the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that, if and when these men are released from detention, they will be allowed to go to the country of their choice?
§ Mr. HeathI do not think that I can accept the phrasing of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, nor give the undertaking for which he asks, but I recall the undertaking given by the present Chancellor of the Exchequer, and I was in the House when he gave it. I will make a statement as early as possible.
§ Mr. StonehouseWhilst I appreciate that further consideration is being undertaken, may I ask the Minister whether investigations are being made into the circumstances in which the Official Gazette in St. Helena revealed the conviction of these men before the trial took place in Bahrein?