HC Deb 17 January 1997 vol 288 cc422-3W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken to secure the extradition of Rhaha Bougossa from Tunisia; and if he will make a statement. [11159]

Mr. Hanley

The absence of an extradition treaty between the UK and Tunisia precludes action to extradite Mr. Rhaha Bougossa from Tunisia. However, the British embassy in Tunisia has assisted Mr. Bougossa's ex-wife to begin proceedings to pursue through the Tunisian courts her case to obtain custody of her children.

Mr. Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the abduction to Tunisia of British-born twins Nathan and Adam Bougossa; what action he has taken to date to seek their return to their natural mother in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [11158]

Dr. Liam Fox

We have received representations from Pamela Hamilton, Glenys Kinnock Member of the European Parliament, the hon. Member for East Berkshire (Mr. MacKay) and Mary Banotti, Member of the European Parliament. Our embassy visited the children, helped Mrs. Hamilton to meet senior officials and to lobby the Tunisian President. It also helped her engage solicitors who are trying to obtain a custody order and to arrange further access.

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