Mr. Alan Lee Williamsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is taking with regard to the sentence of 12 years' imprisonment passed 285W on John Everson, a British subject, in Spain for stealing a motor car.
§ Mr. William RodgersJohn Everson and his companion confessed to stealing two motor cars, each of which was the subject of a separate court hearing. The courts valued each car at more than £600 and finding the men guilty awarded on each charge the minimum sentence allowed in Spanish law of six years and one day's imprisonment, the sentences to run consecutively. An appeal has been entered against the first sentence, and will be entered against the second immediately certain formalities are completed. The cases are thereforesub judice and formal representations would be improper.
However, urgent inquiries are being made regarding the appeals and our Consul in Madrid visits the men regularly and keeps their relatives informed about their welfare. We shall do whatever we can to help and I am sure that the Spanish authorities are fully aware of Parliamentary and public interest in the matter.