HC Deb 07 July 1982 vol 27 cc282-3
12. Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many United Kingdom subjects have been arrested in Spain since the commencement of the World Cup.

Mr. Rifkind

Between 13 June and 6 July, 111 United Kingdom citizens were arrested in Spain. All but 11 were released shortly afterwards. Only two of those still in custody appear to have travelled to Spain to attend World Cup football matches.

Mr. Mitchell

Has the hon. Gentleman seen press reports of British citizens who are in Spain, some for the World Cup and others on ordinary family holidays, being attacked and harassed by groups of young Spaniards without receiving police protection? Have the Government made any representations to the Spanish authorities? If so, what replies have been received?

Mr. Rifkind

We have seen those reports and are worried by them. Her Majesty's ambassador in Madrid is asking the Spanish authorities for further information about the incidents. The deputy mayor of Madrid, who is responsible for police matters in the city of Madrid, has initiated an inquiry into the incidents. He has expressed his anxiety at the reports that he has received. There is no doubt that the Spanish authorities are equally worried about the incidents in question.

Mr. Aitken

Is my hon. Friend aware that many people will have been horrified by the scenes shown on television recently of Spanish police officers making apparently vicious and unprovoked truncheon attacks on football fans? Will he ensure that the film that was taken by the BBC and ITV can, if necessary, be made available to the Spanish authorities to carry out an investigation into the disgraceful episode?

Mr. Rifkind

We shall do what we can to assist the Spanish authorities with their inquiries. Not only do the Government regard the events with grave concern, but there is every indication that the Spanish authorities are also worried about what may have happened.

Mr. J. Enoch Powell

What were the objects, and what have been the results of, the official visit of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to Madrid?

Mr. Rifkind

My right hon. Friend visited Madrid more in a personal capacity. He appears to have found his visit enjoyable.