Saudi Arabia (Hansard, 23 January 1996)

§ 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.