§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to establish the whereabouts of Jason Pope. [144022]
§ Mr. Hain[holding answer 8 January 2001]: Our officials and I have raised Jason Pope's case with the governments of Angola, South Africa, Philippines, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, France, Cote d'Ivoire, Morocco and Libya, and those of the Troika of Observer States to the Lusaka Protocol peace process (Russia, US and Portugal). We have also raised the case with the UN, UNITA officials, NGOs (including the Angolan Red Cross, ICRC and UNHCR) and church groups (including the Vatican).
The case was last raised at ministerial level when I met the Deputy Foreign Minister of Angola on 29 November.
We will continue to explore all possible sources of information and assistance to try to establish Jason's whereabouts and the facts behind his disappearance.
§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he and his Ministers last contacted Jason Pope's family. [144008]
§ Mr. Battle[holding answer 8 January 2001]: Baroness Scotland, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, last wrote to Jason's mother on 22 November 2000. On 18 December 2000, Jason's mother cancelled her meeting with Baroness Scotland which was due to take place the following day. Foreign Office officials remain in regular contact with the Pope family.