§ Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what response has been made by the St. Kitts Government to the Governor's appeal on 30th June that all political detainees should be released as soon as possible; and what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to secure the release of Mr. James Milnes Gaskell, a British citizen, who was arrested when in transit to London.
§ Mrs. HartI understand the right hon. Member to refer to the Governor's recent broadcast address. The reactions of the Government of St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla to this are not a matter within my responsibility. But we must all share the hope he expressed that all persons detained could be released as soon as possible, and that the situation could return to normal in the very near future.
As regards Mr. Gaskell, on 1st July, the British Government Representative renewed his urgent representations that he should be released or brought to trial.
§ Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs whether proceedings under the Habeas Corpus Acts are being taken in respect of Mr. James Milus Gaskell who has been held in prison without trial in St. Kitts for more than three weeks; and with what result.
§ Mrs. HartThe British Government Representative has reported that an habeas corpus application in respect of Mr. Gaskell is due to be heard either today, 5th July, or tomorrow. I will let the right hon. Member know the result as soon as possible.