Written question asked by Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom (Conservative) on Monday, 11 December 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 December 2006. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Thursday, 14 December 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Simon Mann

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what access to consular services is available to Simon Mann, who is in prison in Zimbabwe.

Answer: Mr. Mann has access to the same level of consular assistance as any other British national who is in prison. With all British nationals detained overseas, we aim to make contact within 24 hours of being told about the arrest, and visit as soon as possible. Throughout the duration of detention, our consular staff are there to provide support, take an interest in welfare and where appropriate consider approaching the local authorities if a prisoner is not treated in line with internationally accepted standards.

Secondary information