§ Mr. CatonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation of Mr. Ian Stillman, who is in an Indian prison.[75964]
§ Mike O'BrienMr. Stillman is a long term resident of India who is physically handicapped. He was arrested and convicted on narcotics charges and has been in prison in Himachal Pradesh since 28 August 2000. We are very concerned about his welfare and are in close touch with him and his family. We have raised his case with the Government of India on many occasions. Most recently my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister spoke with the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Vajpayee, on 12 October and I spoke with the Indian Foreign Secretary on 16 October.
Our High Commission in New Delhi will be following up these conversations with the Government of India to clarify the next steps in Mr. Stillman's case, as well as pursuing with the Himachal Pradesh authorities practical questions relating to Mr. Stillman's welfare. I very much hope that he will be released from prison soon.