§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Mexican authorities in relation to legal proceedings following the death of Kirsty MacColl in a speedboat incident; what discussions he has had with Ms MacColl's family on the outcome of the case; what assistance the Foreign Office provided to the family during the legal process; and if he will make a statement. [188930]
§ Mr. MullinUnder international law, the British Government cannot interfere in the legal proceedings of another country Nevertheless, we have frequently raised our interest in this case with the Mexican authorities, including through ambassador and counsellor meetings with the Minister for Europe in July 2003; the Director General of Consular Protection and the Tourism Minister in November 2003; and the Director General for Europe and the Chief Adviser to the Tourism Minister in August 2004. In addition, the case was also raised during High Level Talks when my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) (Bill Rammell) visited Mexico in October 2003. Consular Directorate also briefed the new Mexican Consul in London last week.
We continue to provide all the consular assistance we properly can. Staff in our Consular Directorate are in regular contact with the 'Justice for Kirsty Campaign'. We have met them twice in London. Embassy staff met the Campaign team and facilitated meetings with local and Government authorities on their trip to Mexico in March 2004.
We hope to raise the case again during Sir Michael Jay's, the Permanent Under Secretary at the FCO, visit to Mexico for High Level Talks later this year.