§ Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is prepared to consider the provision of legal aid for United Kingdom citizens accused of offences overseas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuardMy right hon. Friend is prepared to consider the advance of public funds to meet the legal costs of United Kingdom nationals detained abroad in cases where the prisoner cannot do so himself, where funds are not available from any other private source, such as relatives, friends or charitable organisations, and where there is no system of free legal aid in the country concerned. The decision would be influenced by such factors as local prison conditions, the gravity of the possible sentence and whether bail could be obtained. The detainee would be required to undertake to repay any public funds advanced.