HL Deb 01 April 1980 vol 407 cc1260-1

2.42 p.m.

Lord RENTON

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make further representations to the Soviet Government about the convictions, sentences and treatment in and out of prison of those who have attempted to monitor the performance and non-performance of the Helsinki agreement.

Lord TREFGARNE

My Lords, we have made clear to the Soviet Union the importance that we attach to the full implementation by all signatory Governments of all parts of the Helsinki Final Act, and that we view with particular concern the imprisonment and persecution of people who have attempted to monitor its performance.

Lord RENTON

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that reply, may I ask whether he can confirm that it appears to be the deliberate policy of the Soviet Government to round up and imprison all those people who might try to get support from visitors to the Olympic Games? Secondly, what is the latest information that he may have about Anatoli Shcharansky, a Jewish dissident, who has been treated with exceptional severity?

Lord TREFGARNE

My Lords, Russian "rounding up", as my noble friend described it, of dissidents, particularly in the towns where visitors are likely to visit for the Olympic Games, has been widely reported and, I think, goes to show the political importance which the Russians attach to these Games. That is why we have been so anxious that they should not be encouraged. As for Mr. Shcharansky, his case gives rise to special concern. He disappeared while in transit between prison and the labour camp after being sentenced to three years' imprisonment followed by 10 years in the camp. We now look to the Soviet Union to provide proper assurances as to his whereabouts and wellbeing.