HC Deb 08 April 1974 vol 872 c40W
Mr. Neave

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in view of the fact that Rudolf Hess will be 80 years of age on 26th April, if he will take steps designed to secure his release in consultation with the United States and French Governments.

Mr. Hattersley

It has been the view of successive Governments, and it remains the view of this Government, that Rudolf Hess should be released on humanitarian grounds. I am ready to consider sympathetically any steps likely to lead to agreement among all four Powers concerned on his release. There have, however, been no signs that the Soviet Government are prepared to change their negative attitude on this question.