§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received in respect of the general election in India concerning the percentage of electors in Jammu and Kashmir who cast votes; and if he will make a statement. [30441]
§ Mr. HanleyElections in Jammu and Kashmir are being spread over three days: 7, 23 and 30 May. Turnout in the constituencies of Jammu and Ladakh, where polling took place on 7 May, but where the count has not yet begun, is estimated to have been around 55 per cent. and 80 per cent. respectively.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the names of those United Kingdom nationals who observed on behalf of the United Kingdom recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir; if he will place their reports in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [30443]
§ Mr. HanleyA member of our high commission staff in New Delhi visited the constituency of Jammu during the elections on 7 Mary. The overall atmosphere was peaceful. The high commission's report on that visit is an internal document and will not be placed in the Library.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received to date, concerning those taken hostage in Kashmir; and if he will make a statement. [30440]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorWe are aware of recent reports that the hostages may be dead and, together with the Indian and other Governments, are working to assess whether or not they are true. We continue at present to work on the basis that the hostages are alive and to work hard for their early and safe release.
We keep in close touch with the families and give appropriate briefing to the constituency Members of Parliament involved.