HC Deb 27 October 1986 vol 103 cc31-2W
Mr. Weetch

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information his Department has received to date from the Government of the Ivory Coast in connection with the death of Jonathan Wash of Ipswich.

Sir Trevor Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received from the Government of the Ivory Coast about the circumstances of the death of Mr. Jonathan Wash there; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

We have received a report on the post mortem examination carried out in the Ivory Coast shortly after the death took place. The investigation by the Ivory Coast authorities into the cause of Mr. Wash's death has not been completed. We expect to receive a report in due course.

Mr. Weetch

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has yet received a questionnaire from either the Minister of Justice of the Ivory Coast or the examining magistrate in connection with the investigation into the death of Jonathan Wash of Ipswich.

Mr. Eggar

No such questionnaire or other request for evidence has been received.

Mr. Weetch

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations has he made to the Government of the Ivory Coast concerning the inquiry into the death of Mr. Jonathan Wash, with specific reference to co-operation between the police forces of the United Kingdom and the Ivory Coast.

Mr. Eggar

We have repeatedly expressed our concern to the Ivorian authorities at the delay in completing the investigation. No request for information or assistance has been made by the police authorities in the Ivory Coast.