§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord Privy Seal, in the light of the allegations made by the American Government that the hostages held by the Iranian Government were ill-treated, what assurance he is able to give that the British 526W persons now under arrest in Teheran are being properly treated; and what action he has recently taken to secure their release.
§ Mr. HurdWe have had no reliable reports that any of the four British people still held in Iran have been ill-treated while in detention. The Archbishop of Canterbury's emissary reported last month that the three Anglican missionaries whom he saw were in good health. Those who have had contact with Mr. Pyke have also reported him to be well. But we have still not been granted direct access to the four, and have no first-hand knowledge of their condition.
We continue to work for the speedy release of all those detained. Our representations to the Iranian authorities continue both in Teheran and London. I saw the Iranian chargéd'affaires on 21 January and strongly re-emphasised our concern. The Swedish Government who look after our interests in Teheran have been active in the matter and we are also in touch with others whose intervention might help. Our European Community partners have given us their support.