HC Deb 20 June 1966 vol 730 cc37-8
62. Sir W. Teeling

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has concerning the seven boys from Brighton who were arrested after they had already paid their restaurant bill, though under protest, in Dieppe while on a day trip on 11th June; if he is aware that although some were released, David Siffleet, of 77 Rotherfield Crescent, Hollingbury, Brighton, is still detained, though he went voluntarily to the prison when his two friends were first arrested; and what representations he has made on his behalf.

Mrs. White

I have received a full report of this case. I am glad to be able to say that all the boys have now returned home safely. Five were released immediately, two others, said to have assaulted the police, were arrested and charged. One was fined 250 francs and given a suspended sentence of one month. He returned home on 14th June. The other, under 18, had to await arraignment before a juvenile court in Rouen, but upon representations by our embassy was released on 17th June, arriving home the next day.

Sir W. Teeling

Does the hon. Lady realise that some of these boys speak no French, that two of them remained for six days without anything being done at all by our consular service in Dieppe, except possibly that one official called in the middle of the week, that there were no interpreters for these boys, that they have lost quite a bit of money and had their watches and everything else taken from them? Does not the hon. Lady think that something ought to be done to protest a little against this attitude with regard to people who go abroad on perfectly ordinary one-day trips?

Mrs. White

I am afraid that the hon. Gentleman's information is at variance with ours. I shall discuss the details with him afterwards if he wishes, but our vice-consul in Dieppe was informed by the police on Monday of these events, which happened on Saturday night, and he took immediate action.

Sir W. Teeling

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that Reply, may I be allowed to raise this matter on the Adjournment?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must put his request in the conventional terms and say that he desires to give notice.