MR. W. A. H. BRAMPTON

HC Deb 05 July 1965 vol 715 cc169-70W

Sir J. Eden

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the French Government concerning the detention without trial for nine months of Mr. W. A. H. Brampton, a British subject; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. M. Stewart

Mr. Brampton was arrested on 27th September, 1964, on suspicion of theft. A number of charges were made later for offences alleged to have been committed in various parts of France. He has been detained at Coutances.

Police inquiries into the alleged offences were made in France and in this country, and at the request of the French authorities statements were taken from witnesses in this country which took some months. Her Majesty's Consular officers have expressed their concern at the delay in bringing Mr. Brampton to trial to the examining judge. This has now been fixed for 6th July.