HC Deb 15 March 1982 vol 20 cc36-7W
Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will undertake a full investigation into the case of Mr. Garry Leach, a British subject, who was imprisoned in El Salvador for eight days, and during this period was subjected to torture, humiliation and almost ceaseless interrogation designed to extract a confession that he was a mercenary and was denied access to the British consul before being deported to Guatemala; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luce

While Mr. Garry Leach has not approached us directly, Her Majesty's ambassador accredited to El Salvador has been instructed to make representations to the Salvadorean Government concerning the allegations of ill-treatment and of denial of access to the British consul. The ambassador has expressed our concern and asked that the allegations be investigated. He has also been instructed to remind the Salvadorean Government of their obligation under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to ensure that any request for consular assistance by United Kingdom citizens should be met without undue delay.

Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Lord Privy Seal if, having regard to the ill-treatment of Mr. Garry Leach, a British subject, while in detention in El Salvador, he will refuse to send observers to the elections in El Salvador on 28 March.

Mr. Luce

No. Her Majesty's ambassador accredited to El Salvador has been instructed to make representations to the Salvadorean Government about the case of Mr. Garry Leach, but I see no reason for this to change our decision to send observers to the elections in El Salvador.

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