HC Deb 28 June 1982 vol 26 cc239-40W
Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many appeals for help from the families of the disappeared in Argentina were received by the British Embassy in Buenos Aires between 1974 and April 1982, or direct by his Department in London; in how many instances inquiries resulted in the release of the person or persons concerned; and how many of these were United Kingdom citizens or Argentines who had a claim to British nationality.

Mr. Onslow

To provide this information would require very considerable research, and it would in any case be impossible to provide all the details requested, following the closure of our embassy in Buenos Aires. But I am having further inquiries made, and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any discussions have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and other Governments whose nationals were abducted by the Argentine security forces after 1974, following the successful intervention in 1978 of the King of Spain which secured the prompt release of Spanish citizens so held, with a view to concerted action.

Mr. Onslow

The question of possible concerted representations by British and other Western Governments regarding their nationals who are believed to have been abducted by Argentine security forces has been considered on a number of occasions. This has not hitherto been regarded as likely to be the most effective way of pursuing these cases with the Argentine authorities, but I am willing to consider the matter again in the light of changing circumstances.

Sir Bernard Braine

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in how many cases since 1974 where British citizens and Argentines with joint British nationality who disappeared after abduction by the Argentine security forces Her Majesty's Government have referred the details to outside bodies such as the United Nations working groups on enforced or involuntary disappearances, as has been done by the French and Swedish Governments; and with what result.

Mr. Onslow

To our knowledge, there are no Anglo-Argentine dual nationals who have disappeared after abduction by the Argentine security forces, but if my hon. Friend has any further information on the subject, I shall be glad to discuss it with him as soon as possible.