HC Deb 09 January 1990 vol 164 cc579-80W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consultations took place with EEC Governments before British endorsement of the United States invasion of Panama was given.

Mr. Sainsbury

Consultations with EC Governments began on 20 December as soon as we had information about the US action. A statement by the Twelve was issued on 22 December.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further information he has about injuries suffered by British subjects and damage of British-owned property in Panama as a result of the invasion by the United States of America; and what efforts he has made to establish the level of death and injuries among Panamanian civilians.

Mr. Sainsbury

So far as we have been able to establish, the only British national to suffer injury was a Reuters journalist who received medical treatment for a bullet wound in the thigh. I understand that he is now fully recovered. The British embassy residence suffered some damage to windows and walls which has now been repaired. There have been varying estimates of deaths and injuries among Panamanian civilians, which are hard to verify. The Panamanian authorities have not yet issued any official figures.