HC Deb 10 April 2002 vol 383 cc58-9W
Hywel Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken in respect of the case of Mr. Ian Stillman following his imprisonment in India. [48163]

Mr. Bradshaw

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary raised our concerns about Mr. Stillman's welfare, and our hope that his appeal to the High Court would be heard swiftly, with the Indian High Commissioner and Prime Minister Vajpayee's Principal Secretary, Brajesh Mishra, on 26 June 2001. The Foreign Secretary wrote to the High Commissioner on 28 June 2001 highlighting our concerns. He also raised Mr. Stillman's case with the Indian Home Minister, L. K. Advani, on 23 July 2001 and 27 February 2002. On the latter occasion he asked that Mr. Stillman's forthcoming appeal to the Supreme Court be heard as quickly as possible.

In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister raised Mr. Stillman's case with the Indian Foreign Minister, Jaswant Singh, and Mr. Mishra on 4 July 2001. I raised it with the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, Omar Abdullah, on 18 February 2002.

Our High Commission in New Delhi continues to do all it can to ensure that the Indian authorities are meeting Mr. Stillman's welfare requirements.

Sue Doughty

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the planned visit of 19 March by consular staff in India to Mr. Ian Stillman took place; and if he will make a statement. [46552]

Mr. Bradshaw

Consular staff were unable to visit Ian Stillman on 19 March 2002 but saw him on 21 March 2002 at a hospital in Chandigarh where he was receiving a medical check-up by doctors. Two consular officials spent just under two hours with Mr. Stillman and his son.

Mr. Stillman discussed with consular staff certain issues relating to his medical condition and asked whether they would raise these with the Superintendent of Kanda Prison. This was done on 22 March. The Superintendent agreed to all of Mr. Stillman's requests.

Our High Commission in New Delhi will continue to do all it can to ensure that the Indian authorities are meeting Mr. Stillman's welfare requirements.