HC Deb 28 May 1970 vol 801 cc523-4W
Sir A. V. Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made in Her Majesty's Government's attempts to expedite the release of the crew of the Yacht "Glorongay", which is at present held under arrest in Somalia.

Mr. Luard:

Our Embassy staff have been in continuous touch with the Somali authorities during the detention of the British yacht "Glorongay" in Mogadishu, but have so far been unable to obtain specific reasons for its continued detention. We understand charges involving Somali national security have now been dropped. Her Majesty's Ambassador continues to make representations at a high level, and we are also in touch with the Somali Embassy in London.

Our Embassy in Mogadishu is in constant contact with the captain and crew of the yacht, and is doing all it can to provide for their welfare. We are keeping their relatives informed of significant developments in the situation, and are in constant touch with the agents acting for the yacht in this country.