HC Deb 29 April 1963 vol 676 cc56-7W
Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Lord Privy Seal what representations have been made to the Soviet Government with regard to the detention and trial of Mr. Greville Wynne; and what reply has been received.

Mr. Heath

Since 3rd December, when I last answered a Question by the right hon. and learned Gentleman, Her Majesty's Embassy at Moscow have continued to make representations, both orally and in writing, to the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning Mr. Wynne.

On 8th December the Foreign Ministry informed the Embassy that when the investigation had been completed, evidence of Mr. Wynne's espionage would be submitted to the Court. Mr. Wynne was stated to be in good health and his wife was to be allowed to visit him shortly. The visit duly took place on 17th December.

Repeated requests for a meeting between Mr. Wynne and a Consular officer met only with replies, on 18th January and 1st March, that such a meeting could not take place until after the investigation and the trial. The Soviet authorities agreed to pass to Mr. Wynne comforts and fruit provided by Mrs. Wynne.

Before and after the public announcement on 17th April of the completion of the investigation, Her Majesty's Embassy have persisted in representations to the Foreign Ministry, asking in particular for information about Mr. Wynne's health and the arrangements for his trial and defence. In a Note of 22nd April they renewed their request for the Consul to be granted immediate access in order to discover whether there was any way in which the Embassy could assist in Mr. Wynne's defence.

No reply has been received to these latest representations, but the Foreign Ministry promised to pass on our inquiries.