HC Deb 23 January 1996 vol 270 c166W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the extent of democracy in Saudi Arabia. [11019]

Mr. Hanley

The Government of Saudi Arabia have taken significant steps in recent years to expand the consultative process. We welcome this progress.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent meetings have been held with representatives of the Government of Saudi Arabia concerning human rights; and if he will make a statement. [11021]

Mr. Hanley

We and our European Union partners discuss human rights regularly with the Saudi Arabian Government.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has held with the Government of Saudi Arabia concerning the asylum request of Dr. al-Masari; and if he will make a statement. [10847]

Mr. Hanley

The presence and activities of Dr. al-Masari in the United Kingdom have been raised by the Saudi authorities on a number of occasions. The Saudis have been told that Her Majesty's Government disapprove of Dr. al-Masari's activities, but that he would be treated strictly in accordance with UK and international law.

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