HC Deb 02 May 1966 vol 727 cc1228-9
37. Mr. Peyton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the continued imprisonment of Mr. Gerald Brooke, he will reconsider the advisability of cultural exchanges with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mrs. White

I have nothing to add to the replies which my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary gave on 26th April to the hon. Member for Finchley (Mrs. Thatcher).

Mr. Peyton

Does the hon. Lady realise that the weak-kneed and, apparently, defeatist answers given by her right hon. Friend on that occasion gave rise to widespread dismay and the feeling that the Government are not really interested in pressing this case, and will she convey to her right hon. Friend the specific request that he approach the Russians and point out that continuation of this cruel sentence, on the most flimsy ground, is no good basis for cultural or any other friendly relations?

Mrs. White

We are, of course, fully aware of, and we share, the feeling of hon. Members in all parts of the House that the sentence on Mr. Brooke was unjustifiably severe, but I remind the hon. Gentleman that, during the past year, we have succeeded in obtaining treatment for Mr. Brooke a great deal better than that generally accorded to prisoners in Soviet confinement.

Mr. Dalyell

In spite of the unsatisfactory position as regards Mr. Brooke, will my hon. Friend confirm that it would he a step in the wrong direction if the implication of this Question were to be accepted?

Mrs. White

I agree that it is at least possible that, if we took the kind of action suggested in the Question, there might be a general deterioration in our relations with the Soviet Union, and the Russians might be even less willing to heed our representations about Mr. Brooke.

Mr. Lubbock

What steps has the hon. Lady taken to ensure that Mr. Brooke has reasonably adequate medical attention?

Mrs. White

Representations have been made through our consular service in Moscow.

Mr. Peyton

In view of the lamentably inadequate nature of the reply——

Mr. Speaker

Order. In the conventional way.

Mr. Peyton

As you will, Mr. Speaker. I beg to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of that answer, I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.