§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Japanese authorities concerning the imprisonment of Mr. Nicholas Baker; and if he will make a statement. [133626]
§ Mr. MullinWe have raised Mr. Baker's case with the Japanese authorities at both official and ministerial level on a number of occasions. We continue to monitor the case and offer Mr. Baker consular assistance.
§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of(a) the conditions in which Mr. Nicholas Baker is being held in Japan and (b) his level of access to legal representation prior to his trial. [133627]
§ Mr. MullinMr. Baker is being detained under the same conditions as others in detention in Japan. We continue our dialogue with the Japanese authorities about prison conditions in general. Officials from the British embassy visited Mr. Baker soon after notification of his arrest, gave him a list of lawyers and helped to arrange the appointment of Mr. Baker's chosen lawyer. We continue to monitor the case and offer Mr. Baker consular assistance.