HC Deb 14 July 1983 vol 45 cc1013-4 3.30 pm
Mr. Ted Rowlands (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney)

(by private notice) asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the arrest of a British citizen, Mr. Anthony Price, by the Maltese authorities.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Ray Whitney)

Mr. Anthony Price, a British citizen who was visiting Malta, was detained by the Maltese police on 13 April and, despite strong diplomatic and legal representations, held until 20 June, without charges being preferred. Mr. Price was released on that date by order of a magistrate, but the authorities did not allow him to leave the island. While he was still trying to get the courts to uphold his right to leave Malta he was rearrested on 11 July and charged yesterday with conspiracy to subvert the Government of Malta. We shall continue to provide him with appropriate consular assistance and press for a speedy trial. The preliminary hearing has now been set for 27 July.

Mr. Rowlands

I should like to express my gratitude and that of Mr. Price's parents to the Under-Secretary of State. The House will know that his parents are beside themselves with worry. However, I thank the hon. Gentleman for the patient efforts that have been made for more than 70 days to resolve the utterly bewildering and bemusing behaviour of the Maltese authorities. Will the hon. Gentleman simply confirm that all the evidence available to him and his office shows that there is not a shred of truth in the allegation or charge made against Anthony Price that he was in any way involved in trying to subvert the Maltese authorities? Will he also confirm that this trumped-up charge has been brought to justify the Maltese authorities' incredible behaviour, in that for 70 days or more they have prevented one British citizen from leaving Malta?

Mr. Whitney

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his appreciation of the help that has already been given to Mr. Price. We totally share his concern about this affair, and in particular the fact that he was detained without charge for such a long period. As far as evidence is concerned, at this stage it will be a matter for the Maltese courts to decide.

Sir John Biggs-Davison (Epping Forest)

In view of Malta's splendid record, particularly in the second world war, is it not very sad that there should be so many breaches of human rights in that Commonwealth country? Will Her Majesty's Government seek with our Commonwealth partners, to bring pressure to bear in order to secure decency in that country which we love so much?

Mr. Whitney

As my hon. Friend is aware, the Government's record on human rights in Malta and elsewhere is well known, well substantiated and actively pursued.

Sir Anthony Kershaw (Stroud)

Is my hon. Friend aware that the disgraceful and hysterical conduct of Mr. Mintoff has often given great cause for anxiety? Will he pursue this case with the greatest energy?

Mr. Whitney

As I pointed out in my statement, we are most certainly pursuing as far as possible any consular help that we can give to Mr. Price, and we shall continue to do so.