§ Lord Lamont of Lewickasked Her Majesty's Government:
What help the Foreign and Commonwealth Office gave to Mr Derek Bond while he was held in detention in South Africa. [HL1960]
§ Baroness AmosWe provided Mr Bond with all proper consular assistance during his detention in South Africa.
Our consular staff in Durban were notified of Mr Bond's arrest on 7 February. They immediately contacted the South African police. During his detention, consular staff arranged medical support for Mr Bond and visitor access for his wife. Our consular staff in Durban maintained close contact with Mr and Mrs Bond throughout. Consular staff put pressure on the US authorities to resolve issues regarding Mr Bond's identity. Consular staff assisted with arrangements for Mr Bond's release and return to the UK and were at the airport to meet him on his arrival in Britain.
§ Lord Lamont of Lerwickasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representation they intend to make to the American Government about the conduct of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with reference to the detention of Mr Derek Bond in South Africa. [HL1961]
§ Baroness AmosDuring Mr Bond's detention, our High Commission put pressure on the US authorities to resolve quickly the issue of Mr Bond's identity.
We do not know whether Mr Bond's lawyers intend to pursue this matter with the US authorities. We stand ready to provide Mr Bond with any further consular assistance we properly can.