HC Deb 20 January 1967 vol 739 cc163-5W
Mr. Whitaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a further statement on the allega-

United Kingdom's financial contributions to the United Nations Organisation in all its aspects for the years 1962 to 1966, inclusive.

Mr. George Thomson

The following is the information requested:

tions of violence by British interrogators at Aden; what new evidence he has received; whether Mr. Bowen, Q.C., was able to interview all the officials he desired to; who was the senior official responsible at the time of the shortcomings described in Mr. Bowen's report; and what action has been taken regarding the three officers against whom there was some prima facie evidence.

Mr. George Thomson

On 6th January Amnesty International sent my hon. Friend the Member for Ogmore, then Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Padley), a copy of a statement by a detainee in Aden, Mohammed Ali Shamsher, alleging ill-treatment after his arrest last July.

Mr. Bowen was able to interview all the officials he desired to.

The High Commissioner has overall responsibility in Aden.

As my right hon. Friend said on 19th December last, the Ministry of Defence is making the appropriate inquiries to see whether there is a prima facie case for court-martial or disciplinary proceedings against the three men referred to in the Bowen Report. I understand that these inquiries will soon be completed.