Saudi Arabia (Flogging of British Citizens)

HC Deb 20 June 1978 vol 952 cc134-5W

Mr. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he intends to obtain a transcript of the trial of the two British subjects who were recently flogged publicly in Saudi Arabia for alleged offences in that country in relation to alcohol.

Mr. Judd

No transcripts are ordinarily made of court proceedings in Saudi Arabia. A court register is kept which is usually signed by the prisoner after conviction. My right hon. Friend is asking our Ambassador in Jedda to make inquiries about the procedure followed in the case of Mr. Maidment and Mr. Cooper.

Mr. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Saudi Arabia regarding the recent public flogging of two British citizens.

Mr. Judd

I have nothing to add to my reply of 19th June to the hon. Member for Westbury (Mr. Walters).