HC Deb 21 October 1968 vol 770 cc206-7W
69. Mr. McMaster

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what communications have been received from Mr. George Watt; what visits, if any, have been made to him by Foreign Office staff in China since his arrest; and what representations are being made to secure his early release.

Mr. Foley

The Chinese authorities have not permitted members of our Mission in Peking to visit Mr. Watt. When I summoned the Chinese Charge d'Affaires on the 17th of October I renewed our demand for access to him. The Chargé replied that since Mr. Watt had been convicted of espionage, access would not be appropriate. We have not received any communications from Mr. Watt although I understand that his wife has received letters from him.

70. Mr. McMaster

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will give a list of British subjects detained by the Chinese with or without trial; and what efforts he is making to secure their release.

71. Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further representations have been made concerning the detention of British citizens in China; and with what result.

Mr. Foley

I summoned the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires on the 17th of October and raised once again the cases of British subjects whom we know or believe to have been detained in China. I stressed the serious concern with which we view the continued refusal of the Chinese authorities either to provide information or to grant consular access.

I have no further information to add to the list which my right hon. Friend the Minister of State gave in reply to the hon. Member for Chigwell (Mr. Biggs-Davison) on the 14th of October. —[Vol. 770, c. 16–17.]

72. Mr. A. Royle

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he is taking to obtain the release of Mr. Anthony Grey, the Reuters correspondent who has been under solitary confinement in his house in Peking for over 14 months.

Mr. Foley

I summoned the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires on 17th October and renewed our demand for consular access to Mr. Grey, and his early release from confinement. I shall continue to press for his release.