§ Mr. Hoggasked the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered the case of Crispin John Newton, a British subject now held in Algiers in prison without trial or bail since August 1964; whether he is aware that no proper charges have been formulated against him; and what steps he proposes to take with the Algerian authorities on his behalf.
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§ Mr. George ThomsonThe former naval motor torpedo boat "Atlantico", which is registered in this country, put in to Algiers on 4th August with engine trouble. The Algerian authorities seized the ship, alleging that it was carrying contraband, and arrested the crew. Two members of the crew are British subjects: Mr. Newton and Mr. Napoli, a resident of Gibraltar.
Her Majesty's Embassy at Algiers have made repeated representations to the Algerian Government, urging that the British members of the crew should be released or committed for trial without delay. The Embassy were informed yesterday that investigations had been completed and that the trial would be held on the 7th of January. Bail has, in fact, been fixed at £1,447 for Mr. Newton and £723 for Mr. Napoli, but has not been paid.
The two men have been visited frequently by Consular Officers and have in general been in good health.