§ Lord RUSSELL of LIVERPOOLasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are prepared once again, in conjunction with France and the United States, to try and persuade the Soviet Union, having regard to détente, to release Rudolf Hess from custody in 115WA Spandau where he has been imprisoned for 30 years and where he recently spent his 82nd birthday.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts): The French and American Governments share our view that Hess should be released on humanitarian grounds. All three Governments take every suitable opportunity to remind the Soviet authorities of their views, and the British Government will certainly consider making a fresh joint approach to the Soviet Union if there is any indication that this might prove effective. Our most recent contacts with the Soviet Government do not suggest that there is any change in the latter's negative attitude.