HC Deb 23 June 1969 vol 785 cc989-90
19. Mr. Barnes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest representations he has made on behalf of Mrs. Scharegin, a United Kingdom citizen, to the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics regarding the detention of her husband Mr. Nikolai Scharegin.

Mr. Foley

Since October, 1968, Her Majesty's Consul in Moscow has made repeated inquiries on behalf of Mrs. Scharegin. The Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs have invariably replied that they are still conducting their investigations and that no decision regarding Mr. Scharegin has yet been taken. On 13th June, the Consul was informed that investigations would be completed "in the near future".

Mr. Barnes

In view of the fact that Mr. Scharegin has lived in Britain for 20 years and was representing a British firm when he was detained last September, could my hon. Friend consider including his case in any discussions which he may be having with the Russians about the possible return of Mr. Gerald Brooke?

Mr. Foley

There is a separate Question on the Order Paper about Mr. Brooke. Mr. Scharegin is a Soviet national, although he has lived here since the end of the war. He went to Moscow on a Home Office travel document which was clearly marked that it was not valid for the Soviet Union. He went there at his own risk.

Back to