HC Deb 25 March 1963 vol 674 cc116-7W
48. Mr. R. Edwards

asked the Lord Privy Seal how many British citizens were arrested and imprisoned in Spain during the last three years; what were the reasons for their arrest; and what sentences were imposed.

Mr. Heath

During the three years 1960 to 1962 Consular officers reported the arrest of 30 British subjects who were sentenced to fines and/or terms of imprisonment ranging from one month to nine years. This does not include a number of those who were detained some of whom were fined or held for short periods, but very few for more than a few days. In the great majority of such cases charges were not taken up to a judge's court, or the court accepted a bail-bond in lieu of punishment. The charges related in the main to contraband, theft, driving offences and assault.