HC Deb 30 January 1974 vol 868 cc433-4
17. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens are at present in custody awaiting trial in Spain.

Mr. Blaker

Thirty-eight United Kingdom citizens.

Mr. Mitchell

Is the Minister aware that one of my constituents, a 19-year-old seaman by the name of Michael Murray, has been held in prison awaiting trial for six months in Spain? Can the Minister confirm that the date of the trial has now been fixed and, secondly, can he give me the dates of the consular visits to Michael Murray since his imprisonment?

Mr. Blaker

As the hon. Gentleman probably knows, his constituent Mr. Murray, being a former seaman, is the concern of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. But I can give him the dates on which the vice-consul at Las Palmas has visited Mr. Murray, and Mr. Terrell, with whom he is imprisoned: on 4th and 6th September, 3rd, 24th and 26th October, 15th November and 10th January. In addition, they are visited weekly by American evangelists, who usually contact the consul beforehand for any necessary messages. The parents of Mr. Terrell saw both men frequently during their visit to Las Palmas in December. These are factors which the consul would take into consideration in timing his visits.

Mr. Money

When he is making representations to the Spanish Government on subjects on which his Department can make representations, will my hon. Friend make representations about the continued attitude of the Spanish Government towards the British people of Gibraltar, who have suffered economic blockade for nearly 12 years?

Mr. Blaker

That is a different question.