HC Deb 18 October 1982 vol 29 cc43-4W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give, for the longest and most conveniently stated period of time, as much detailed information as may be readily available of approaches made to him to protest at the lack of, and attacks upon, civil liberties in Chile, El Salvador, South Africa, Poland, Russia and other Eastern European States, respectively.

Mr. Rifkind:

For the period since 1 January 1982, the information requested by the hon. Member is as follows: Chile: Approximately 25 parliamentary questions, 90 letters from hon. Members and 150 letters from organisations and members of the public concerning the human rights situation, in particular detention without trial, the exile and disappearance of individuals and the report of the Special Rapporteur on Chile at the United Nations. El Salvador: Approximately 42 parliamentary questions, 210 letters from hon. Members and 940 letters from organisations and members of the public, mainly about alleged human rights violations and about the elections. South Africa: Approximately eight parliamentary questions, 90 letters from hon. Members and 630 letters from organisations and members of the public concerning individual prisoners, labour matters and other aspects of South African policy. Poland: Approximately 30 parliamentary questions, 150 letters from hon. Members and 120 letters from organisations and members of the public expressing concern about the declaration of martial law and its consequences. Soviet Union: Approximately 13 parliamentary questions, 70 letters from hon. Members and 170 letters from organisations and members of the public about Soviet human rights violations, in particular the plight of Soviet Jews and the Siberian Seven. Bulgaria: None. Czechoslovakia: Approximately five letters from hon. Members and 10 from organisations and members of the public mainly concerning the Czechoslovak Government's human rights policy. German Democratic Republic: Approximately four letters from hon. Members and five letters from organisations and members of the public mainly concerning individuals wishing to leave the GDR. Hungary: None. Romania: Approximately five letters from hon. Members and 15 letters from members of the public, in particular concerning persecution of evangelical sects in Romania.