§ 47. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a further statement about the case of Mr. Gerald Brooke.
§ 71. Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further information he has been able to obtain about the health of Mr. Gerald Brooke; if he is satisfied that there is reasonable access to Mr. Brooke by British officials in the Soviet Union; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. George BrownWe have asked the Soviet authorities urgently to let us have a comprehensive report on Mr. Brooke's health. In addition we are continuing our representations to the Soviet authorities for another visit by Mrs. Brooke as well as for a consular visit.
§ Mr. BlakerWould it not be useful if, in addition to making representations about this case to the Soviet Government, the British Government also took some practical steps to demonstrate their disapproval? How many members of the British Cabinet were invited by the Soviet Ambassador to the reception which he recently gave to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Revolution—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Gentleman should ask his supplementary question briefly.
§ Mr. Blaker—and did any of them refuse?
§ Mr. BrownI will take any steps that will help Mr. Brooke and I am taking all those I can think of. I can see no point—and a lot of possible harm to Mr. Brooke—in taking steps that do not help him but put us in a less good position to make representations to the U.S.S.R.
§ Mr. HooleyHas my right hon. Friend been able to secure any definite information recently about the health of Mr. Brooke?
§ Mr. BrownNo, Sir. Since we heard what Mr. Weatherley said when he came back, we have made urgent requests to the Soviet Government for up-to-date and immediate information and we are awaiting their reply.