Israel (Detained British Subjects)

HC Deb 08 June 1976 vol 912 cc659-60W

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the names of the British subjects detained for investigation in Israel, one for allegedly smuggling gold and the other for alleged trespass and assault.

Mr. Hattersley

It is contrary to practice to divulge the names of British subjects detained overseas without their specific authority. We do not have this authority in these cases.

Mr. Faulds

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the names of the three British subjects imprisoned in Israel, the charges on which they were convicted and the lengths of their sentences.

Mr. Hattersley

It is contrary to practice to divulge the names of British subjects imprisoned overseas without their specific authority. We do not have this authority in these cases. Of the three British subjects imprisoned in Israel, two were convicted of acts against the security of the State and sentenced to 12 and six years' imprisonment respectively. The third was convicted for possession of drugs and sentenced to one year's imprisonment.