§ 25. Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has now reached a decision Whether to return to the Government of 812 Cyprus Mr. A. Zacharia and MR. E. Arestidou in the exercise of the discretion granted to him by Section 6 of the Fugitive Offenders Act, 1881.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. R. A. Butler)Yes, Sir. After full consideration of all the circumstances of the case, I have decided that these men should not be returned to, Cyprus and arrangements have been made for them to be released. The Cyprus Government have been informed accordingly.
§ Mr. GoodhartI thank my right hon. Friend for that highly satisfactory reply, but will he remember that these men have been held in prison, in peril of their lives, for about nine months? Will he now consider whether the 1881 Fugitive Offenders Act should be amended, or consider whether, in cases which involve some element of political asylum, it might be possible for him to intervene at a somewhat earlier stage?
§ Mr. ButlerI am bound by the terms of this Act. When so serious a case as this comes up one naturally has a desire to examine the Statute in question, but I can give the hon. Member no specific undertaking at present, beyond saying that I will keep the matter under review.
§ Mr. PagetSurely something should be done in a case like this to make things a little more expeditious. However much one may assume against these men—indeed, assuming everything against them—they were entitled to our protection, since they were our war criminals.
§ Mr. ButlerYes. I will add that pertinent question to the matters which I will review.