HC Deb 21 April 1969 vol 782 cc10-1W
65. Mr. Rose

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of prison riots in Italy, he will make a further statement on the position, treatment and projected date of trial of the five British citizens imprisoned at Trani, Bari, Italy, for a period of 15 months without trial; and whether he will now make representations to the Italian authorities for their immediate release.

Mr. Whitlock

I understand that none of the five British prisoners was involved in the recent riot in the prison at Bari, to which they were transferred from Trani on 20th March.

On the question of their treatment and the projected date of trial, I have nothing to add to what my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State told the hon. Member on 3rd March. My right hon. Friend will however, raise their case with the Italian Foreign Minister during the forthcoming State Visit.