§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken to investigate the imprisonment in Rome of Mr. Brian Butcher; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarWe are aware of Mr. Butcher's arrest, and he has been visited by consular officials. The legality of Mr. Butcher's arrest is a matter for the Italian courts to determine. It would be contrary to internationally accepted practice for us to attempt to intervene in this process. We shall continue to monitor developments closely.