§ 12. Mr. Neaveasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the health of Rudolf Hess.
§ Mr. George ThomsonHess has continued to respond well to treatment and his general condition is improving steadily.
§ Mr. NeaveIs it not clear that, in spite of his Nazi past, which this House condemns, this man is quite unfit to undergo solitary confinement for the rest of his life? Will the right hon. Gentleman put the utmost pressure on the Russians to retain him in hospital?
§ Mr. ThomsonAs the House knows, Her Majesty's Government and the other two Western Powers feel that the right course now would be for Hess to be released to return to his family. But, short of that, while he remains in custody, it is important that his health is properly looked after. His future is at present under discussion and a decision will be taken in the light of the doctors' judgment on what is best for his health.
§ Mr. WinnickWhile recognising the sincere views of the hon. Member for Abingdon (Mr. Neave), may I remind my right hon. Friend of the African leaders now rotting in Rhodesian detention camps?
§ Mr. ThomsonI am very much aware of the point that my hon. Friend makes in order to put this matter in perspective. The humanitarian feelings are shared equally on both sides of the House.
§ Mr. ThorpeThe Government's humanitarian attitude is appreciated and is not in question, but would the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that we will strenuously resist any attempt to send Hess back to Spandau and will try to facilitate a more humane method of visiting for his family?
§ Mr. ThomsonI cannot say anything in advance of the conclusion of the discussions about Hess's future which are now being undertaken. With regard to visits by his family, there have been regulations allowing visits all the time that Hess has been in prison, as I understand it, but that it was only when he went into hospital that he himself was agreeable to his family going to see him.