§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he intends to take to secure the release of the British travellers held captive in Kashmir. [1454]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe are deeply concerned about the welfare of Keith Mangan and Paul Wells. It is now 23 months since they were abducted. There have been no demands from the hostage takers and no proof of life since late 1995. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs met the British hostage families on 22 May. We are committed to finding out what has happened to Keith, 81W Paul and the other two hostages and will take every opportunity to raise the case with the Indian and Pakistani Governments.