§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken since 1 March to secure the release of the British citizens detained in Abu Dhabi.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydWe have made two further representations to the Abu Dhabi authorities about the British citizens detained in Abut Dhabi pending conclusions of the investigation into the affairs of BCCI. On 21 March, Her Majesty's ambassador in Abu Dhabi called on the United Arab Emirates' Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. On 6 April the Minister of State, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Grantham (Mr. Hogg) called the UAE ambassador in London to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We were told by the UAE ambassador on 16 April that the prosecution case should be ready by mid-July. We will continue to press the UAE authorities either to charge or release the men.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next plans to visit Abu Dhabi.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has at present no plans to do so.