§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Portuguese Government have informed his Department about their intention to proceed with further charges against Professor Lowry; and what are the new charges likely to be. [146845]
§ Mr. HainThe Portuguese Secretary of State for European Affairs told the Minister for Europe, my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz), on 18 October 2000 of the Swiss authorities' request for extradition in order for them to press charges. The Portuguese Attorney-General has authorised extradition to proceed at the end of Professor Lowry's Portuguese sentence.
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§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports the British Embassy has sent about the daily routine of Professor Lowry while serving his sentence in a Portuguese prison; and how many hours per day he is locked in his cell. [146848]
§ Mr. HainProfessor Lowry has freedom of movement between 08.00 and 21.00 hours. He and three others share a cell in the new wing of the prison which has two sets of bunkbeds, toilet, washbasin and shower. Professor Lowry is sports delegate for his wing and supervises the use of the gym. He has access to a television and the library. When he is not working he reads and exercises.
§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent contact staff from the British Embassy in Portugal have had with Professor Lowry; and what the state of his health is reported to be. [146846]
§ Mr. HainProfessor Lowry is visited twice a year; his last visit was on 8 August 2000; his next is scheduled for February 2001. Professor Lowry's welfare officer has confirmed that he appears to be well, both physically and mentally. There has been no reported deterioration in his health and he has not asked for any further treatment.
§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports the British Embassy in Portugal have sent on access to medical treatment for Professor Lowry; and what treatment he has recently received. [146847]
§ Mr. HainProfessor Lowry collapsed in August 2000 and was transferred to the prison infirmary for treatment. He has not reported any recurring symptoms. He has seen his dentist and consultant and undergone appropriate tests. He continues to receive medical treatment from his private doctor. He remains adamant that he will not have surgery while in prison.
§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response he has received from the Government of Portugal about Professor Lowry. [146844]
§ Mr. HainOur officials have had regular discussions with the Portuguese authority on this case, in line with normal consular practice.
§ Mr. ClaphamTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the British Embassy in Portugal has been informed why Professor Lowry remains in prison in that country despite having served more than half of his original sentence; and what indication there is of when he will be released. [146849]
§ Mr. HainThe prison social welfare authorities will automatically begin to prepare a further application for Professor Lowry's release in February 2001 when he has served two thirds of his sentence. Conditional release in Portugal is granted at the discretion of the parole judge and becomes automatic only when five sixths of the sentence has been served.