HC Deb 02 May 1973 vol 855 cc311-2W
Mr. Edelman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what circumstances the vice-consul at the consulate-general in San Francisco absented himself from his post at the end of March; and whether he will make a statement.

Lord Balniel

Mr. Gwilym Hughes took up duty as British vice-consul in San Francisco in November 1972. On 19th March 1973 he was involved in an altercation with the local police following a minor traffic incident. He failed to report to his office on 26th March. It was subsequently ascertained that on 28th March he left for Sydney, Australia, where he was interviewed on 4th April by the British Consul-General and encouraged to return to London. He was suspended without pay from 27th March. Mr. Hughes is being replaced in San Francisco.