§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what action has he taken concerning the case of Peter Hall and Monica Chambers, imprisoned in Saudi Arabia ; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what information he has concerning the date of a hearing or trial in the case of Peter Hall and Monica Chambers, imprisoned in Saudi Arabia; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what representations he has made to the Saudi Arabian ambassador concerning the case of Peter Hall and Monica Chambers, imprisoned in Saudi Arabia ; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarThe Saudi Arabian authorities have indicated that the trial is scheduled to commence on 21 or 22 December 1987. Her Majesty's embassy at Riyadh has maintained regular contact with Mr. Hall throughout his period of detention and has closely monitored the progress of the case with the Saudi Arabian authorities.
Mrs. Hall, neé Monica Chambers, is, however, an Irish citizen; we, therefore, have no official standing to intervene on her behalf. Her case is being handled by the Irish embassy at Riyadh which is in close touch with our officials.
We have not made any representations to the Saudi Arabian ambassador about Mr. Hall's case.