§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. William Whitelaw)With permission, Mr. Speaker, before I make my statement on prisons I would like briefly to refer to events at the Iranian embassy of which right hon. and hon. Members will be aware. A few hours ago there was a hostage-taking incident there. I will keep the House informed, in the meantime, all appropriate steps are being taken.
§ Later—
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I raise this point in the presence of the Home Secretary and the Leader of the House. It is quite precise. It is, of course, within the knowledge of the House that one of our fellow citizens, a police officer—I think his name is Trevor Locke—is at present being held hostage in the Iranian embassy in London. I ask two things of you, Sir. First, have you received any request from a Minister to intervene in our affairs in order to make a statement? Secondly, in the event that such a statement is made, could you give us indication now as to what time it might be, so that we can make the necessary arrangements?
§ Mr. WhitelawPerhaps I should repeat to my hon. Friend what I said to the House at the beginning of my statement on the May committee's report. I made a brief reference, as I thought the House would wish, to events at the Iranian embassy, of which hon. Members will be aware. A few hours ago there was a hostage-taking incident there. I shall keep the House informed, as appropriate. In the meantime, I assure my hon. Friend that all appropriate steps are being taken.