HC Deb 27 June 1957 vol 572 cc59-60W
98. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the British nationals who were acquitted at the recent espionage trial in Cairo still remain in custody there; and what steps he is taking to secure their immediate release and repatriation to Great Britain.

Mr. Ian Harvey

Her Majesty's Government have asked the protecting Power to find out why these two British subjects are still detained and to do everything possible to speed their return to this country. The Swiss authorities have reported to us the Egyptian statement that the two men were being held in case the prosecution decided to appeal against the acquittal. News agency reports, not so far confirmed by the protecting Power, state that the Egyptian Prosecutor-General has now decided not to appeal. We therefore trust the release of these two men will not be much longer delayed.

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