§ 3. Mr. Molloyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current state of negotiations designed to secure the release of the United Kingdom citizens illegally imprisoned in foreign countries; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. M. StewartWhile we do not necessarily approve of the legal systems and judicial processes of all other countries, so far as I am aware, no British subjects are imprisoned in foreign countries except in accordance with the provisions of local law. We must accept that British nationals are subject to the laws and legal proceedings operative in countries in which they may be at any given time.
§ Mr. MolloyWill my right hon. Friend say whether, when a British subject is arrested or detained overseas, there is immediate investigation by his Department and will he state what sort of help a British subject is offered before and after any arrest?
§ Mr. StewartBritish subjects who are either prisoners awaiting trial or undergoing sentences of imprisonment receive regular visits from our consular officers who provide them with all possible assistance and see that they have legal advice.