§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 30 October 2000,Official Report, column 234W, for what reason a period of 15 days elapsed before Ministers were informed of the arrests of British nationals. [136674]
§ Mr. HainAs I said in my earlier answer of 30 October 2000,Official Report, column 234W, it is not normal practice for FCO officials to inform Ministers whenever a British national is arrested overseas. Due to a printing error, that answer appeared in incorrect form in Hansard. I would also like to take this opportunity to clarify another answer to the hon. Lady of 30 October 2000, Official Report, column 234W. Our Embassy in Havana was informed of the arrest of six British nationals on 9 October and immediately began seeking details and information about their whereabouts. On 12 October they made their first formal request for access. A diplomatic note requesting access was sent to the Cuban Ministry for Foreign Affairs on 16 October.