§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the method of handling the applications for asylum by two boys in Melbourne on 18 July. [72128]
§ Mr. MacShaneIt is the responsibility of the Australian authorities to deal with applications for asylum in Australia in accordance with their obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention. While the brothers remained in the Consulate in Melbourne they were allowed access to legal representation, provided with food and drink, and given the opportunity to telephone their parents.