HC Deb 06 March 1995 vol 256 c9W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date Her Majesty's Government were informed by the German Government of the decision to free Abdul Ghadanfar in November 1994.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

It is not normal practice for one Government to inform another about the release from its prison of the nationals of third countries, unless there are outstanding judicial requests concerning particular individuals. Since no such requests existed in the case of Mr. Ghadanfar, there was no reason for the German Government to inform us of his release.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he was informed of and consulted about the release of and the decision to free Abdul Ghadanfar by the German authorities in November 1994; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

It is not normal practice for one Government to inform another about the release from its prison of the nationals of third countries, unless there are outstanding judicial requests concerning particular individuals. Since no such requests existed in the case of Mr. Ghadanfar, there was no reason for the German Government to inform us of his release.

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date the request by the Scottish police to interview Abdul Ghadartfar was transmitted to the German Government.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

Disclosure of the fact that Messrs Ghadanfar and Dalkamouni were interviewed was an exceptional step taken only because of the unwarranted criticisms which had been, and were continuing to be, made of the German authorities and the Scottish police. It would not be appropriate to go beyond this by discussing details of confidential communications between the Scottish police and prosecuting authorities and their counterparts in Germany, or indeed in any other country.