Mr. John M. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British hostages are presently believed to be held in the Lebanon; what are their names; on what dates each of them was taken hostage; and what information he has about the organisations involved in these kidnappings.
§ Mr. MaudeThere are currently three British hostages held in Lebanon. They are Mr. John McCarthy (abducted on 17 April 1986), Mr. Jack Mann (abducted on 12 May 1989) and Mr. Terry Waite (abducted on 20 January 1987). There have been no substantiated claims for them. However, the American hostage, Mr. Frank Reed, who was released on 30 April by a previously unheard-of group, the Organisation of the Islamic Dawn, has confirmed that he was held together with Mr. McCarthy.
§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the efforts made by his Department to obtain the release of the hostages held captive in the middle east.
§ Mr. MaudeI refer to the answer of 18 April given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office to the hon. Member for St. Helens, North (Mr. Evans) and to the answer given by my right hon. Friend, the Foreign Secretary on 9 May to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, North-East (Mr. Barnes).