§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date and at what time the British embassy in Caracas (i) was informed and (ii) informed the Foreign Office in London of the sentence imposed on James Miles and Paul Loseby. [8849]
§ Mr. FatchettThe British Embassy in Caracas was informed of Mr. Miles and Mr. Loseby's sentence on 8 July at 21.45 hours BST. The Embassy immediately informed this Department by fax.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning James Miles and Paul Loseby from sources other than the Venezuelan authorities. [8780]
§ Mr. FatchettConsular staff in Caracas have received reports concerning James Miles and Paul Loseby from their lawyers, representatives of the Anglican church and journalists who have visited them.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will obtain a copy of the transcript of the court hearing concerning James Miles and Paul Loseby which took place in Caracas on 2 July. [8850]
§ Mr. FatchettThe Venezuelan court process does not involve a "hearing". A copy of the written summary of evidence and statements of the Court's decision has been obtained by this Department and can be made available to my hon. Friend if he so wishes.
186W
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date in 1997 the British embassy in Caracas made representations to the Venezuelan Government concerning the cases of Paul Loseby and James Miles. [8779]
§ Mr. FatchettNo representations have been made this year. The British Ambassador in Caracas wrote to the Judge on 10 April and 10 July to request medical checks for Paul Loseby.