HC Deb 23 October 1975 vol 898 c282W
Mr. Tebbit

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to which Governments and in respect of which persons he has protested over the carrying out of sentences for conviction of offences against the law since he took office in April 1974.

Mr. Ennals

We have made representations to several Governments in such cases. It would not be in the public interest, nor in the interest of those concerned, to publish the details.

Mr. Tebbit

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his protests to the Spanish Government concerning the execution of persons convicted of terrorist offences involving the murder of policemen were made because of doubts as to the guilt of those involved.

Mr. Ennals

The Government's approaches to the Spanish authorities have been concerned with the humanitarian and human rights aspects of the recent trials, not directly with the question of guilt or innocence.

Mr. Tebbit

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is his policy to make diplomatic protests to foreign Governments in countries whose courts impose capital sentences for the murder of policemen.

Mr. Ennals

Whether we make representations or not depends on the circumstances.