§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in view of recent evidence of the harsh treatment to which Mr. Gerald Brooke is being subjected in his Soviet jail, he will make fresh representations to the Soviet Government requesting Mr. Brooke's release on medical grounds.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsWe have repeatedly urged the Soviet authorities to show clemency to Mr. Brooke on medical and other grounds. We have no reason to believe that Mr. Brooke's health is deteriorating, but we are not complacent on this score and this is one of the reasons why we are pressing for a further visit to Mr. Brooke by the Consul.
§ Mr. Hamlingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information has been received from the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics regarding the conditions under which Gerald Brooke is help in prison; what further representations he will make on his behalf; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsMr. Brooke was sentenced to one year's imprisonment and four years in a "strict régime" labour colony. We are aware of the general conditions of such labour colonies, and we have been officially informed by the Soviet authorities of the regulations governing such matters as letters and food parcels. We are continuing to make representations about Mr. Brooke, most recently when my right hon. Friend spoke to the Soviet Ambassador on 1st April.