HC Deb 07 November 1966 vol 735 cc206-7W
64. Mr. Philip Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many people have been killed and wounded in Aden State in political disturbances from 1st January, 1966, until the present time; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. George Brown

I regret that 33 persons were killed and 372 wounded in terrorist attacks in Aden State this year.

The security forces have had notable successes; but those who are directing the terrorist campaign from outside are still causing us a good deal of trouble.

Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his investigations into the treatment of detainees in Aden.

Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the special investigator appointed to examine the charges of maltreatment of political prisoners in Aden will have full access to those prisoners whose names appeared in the recent statement of Amnesty, a copy of which has been sent to him, and in the material handed to his Department by ther hon. Member for Billericay; and what are the detailed terms of reference of the investigator.

Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the inquiries he has had made on the procedures for arrest, interrogation and detention of suspected terrorists in Aden.

Mr. George Brown

I would refer hon. Members to the Answer which I gave in the House today to the hon. Member for Rowley Regis and Tipton (Mr. Archer).

Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what periods political detainees in Aden have been held; and whether they will be afforded a right of access to the investigation now being conducted into the treatment of detainees.

Mr. George Brown

Of the 115 persons at present in detention, 40 have been held for less than six months, 28 for between six months and one year, 43 for between one year and two years and 4 four more than two years.

In carrying out his investigations as my personal representative, Mr. Bowen will have full access to all the detainees and persons held for interrogation.