HC Deb 08 May 1980 vol 984 cc223-4W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he considers that the arrest and detention of Mr. Miroslaw Chojecki was contrary to the Helsinki Agreement, signed by both the United Kingdom and Poland; what representations he has made to the Polish Government concerning Mr. Chojecki and what evidence he has that arrest and detention for economic crimes is now being used extensively in Poland as a means of silencing dissidents.

Mr. Blaker

The Government are keeping under close review the case of Mr. Chojecki, and the one other recent similar case of which we are aware, paying regard to the provisions of the Helsinki Final Act. The Government's policy is to raise individual human rights cases with East European Governments when we judge that this is appropriate and might be effective. To reveal the details of our representations might undermine their effectiveness.