§ Mr. Michael Stern (Bristol, North-West)I beg to ask leave to present a petition signed by 51 members of St. Peter's Church, Filton, in my constituency, relating to Irena Ratushinskaya, who is the subject of two early-day motions, No. 420, which stands in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton), and No. 611, in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond and Barnes (Mr. Hanley).
The petition relates to a poetess who is confined in a Soviet labour camp, allegedly for writing poetry. She is said to be in poor health and her husband and fellow prisoners fear that her life may be in danger.
I feel sure that hon. Members in all parts of the House will join the petitioners in asking the Foreign Secretary and other Members of the Government to make representations to the Soviet Government with the aim of obtaining the release of Mrs. Ratushinskaya and for her to receive an urgently needed medical assessment of her condition and treatment. I willingly add my support to the representations of the petitioners.
§ To lie upon the Table.