§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to have UK nationals held in custody in Afghanistan202W returned to the UK for treatment in cases where their medical condition is causing concern; and if he will make a statement. [121896]
§ Mr. Mike O'Brien[holding answer of 26 June 2003]: As far as we are aware the Afghan authorities are holding one British national in custody. He is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital. However, the necessary facilities to diagnose his condition do not appear to be available in Afghanistan and, in these exceptional circumstances, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary wrote to the Afghan Foreign Minister on 16 June to request the individual's release so that he could be returned to the UK for the specialist medical attention he appears to require.