HC Deb 19 July 2001 vol 372 c421W
Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received regarding the imprisonment of Ian Stillman; and if he will make a statement. [4101]

Mr. Bradshaw

As of 17 July the Foreign and Commonwealth Office had received 185 letters from Members of Parliament on behalf of their constituents. We have also received correspondence from the Stillman family, members of the public, non-governmental organisations, Church groups and others.

Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to secure the release of Ian Stillman; and if he will make a statement. [4100]

Mr. Bradshaw

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised the concerns about Mr. Stillman's welfare at a meeting on 26 June with the Indian High Commissioners and Prime Minister Vajpayee's Principal Secretary. The Indian High Commissioner asked for a written note highlighting our concerns and the Foreign Secretary duly wrote to the High Commissioner on 28 June.

We will continue to speak to the Indian authorities to ensure that his appeal is heard swiftly.