§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what diplomatic representations Her Majesty's Government are making to the Chinese Government about granting fair trials to those jailed for their political ideology; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudeAt the Madrid European Council we and our EC partners called on the Chinese authorities to admit independent observers to attend the trials of those arrested for their part in the democracy movement. The Presidency, on behalf of the Twelve, has made subsequent representations to the Chinese authorities.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the release of political prisoners in China; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudeSince the events of June, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has received 19 letters from hon. Members and 69 letters from the public about the release of political prisoners in China. Of these, 12 letters from hon. Members and 50 letters from the public were related to a specific detainee in Tibet.