§ 20. Mr. Gorstasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further action he has taken to obtain information from the Chinese Government about the circumstances and whereabouts of Mrs. Gladys Yang.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleMrs. Yang's detention has been raised with the Chinese Government on many ocasions. Our chargé d'affaires in Peking was informed in April that she was in good health but that the case was still under investigation. The Chinese Government have been left in no doubt of our concern at her detention. We shall continue to do all we can to secure her release.
§ Mr. GorstI appreciate the efforts which have been made by my hon. Friend of behalf of my constituent's sister, Mrs. Yang. Is not the situation extremely unsatisfactory? My hon. Friends will be aware, I hope, that I have already addressed two Questions on this subject during the last 12 months and that I have actually visited the charge d'affaires in this country and that all we are faced with is "prolonged investigation" Does this not constitute difficulties impeding any improvement in relations between this country and the Chinese Republic?
§ Mr. RoyleI agree with my hon. Friend that the situation is very unsatisfactory. As I have said, I shall continue to make our deep concern clear to the Chinese Government. The matter was mentioned informally to the Chinese Mission in London on 29th July by a representative of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.