HL Deb 13 November 1979 vol 402 cc1234-5WA
Lord CHITNIS

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations were made to the Government of Guyana following the killing of the English Jesuit priest, Father Bernard Darke SJ, in Georgetown in July this year by members of the Government-backed and Government-protected House of Israel sect; and what reply, if any, was received.

Lord CARRINGTON

The High Commission in Georgetown were asked immediately about the circumstances of Father Darke's death. They reported that the Guyanese police were treating the case as one of murder, and were investigating: charges have since been laid. It was also established that Father Darke had dual Guyanese/British nationality. The British Government therefore had no locus standi to make representations about what was a matter for the Guyanese authorities.

The British Government deplore the tragic death of Father Darke.