Written question asked by Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 June 2000. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Monday, 19 June 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what legal assistance was given via the British Consular staff in Cuba to Ms Rachel McGee, prior to her trial there in September 1999.

Answer: Mr. Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what legal assistance was given via the British Consular staff in Cuba to Ms Rachel McGee, prior to her trial there in September 1999. [126767] Mr. Hain: Our consular staff are not legally trained and are not able to offer legal advice. We are able to provide lists of English speaking local lawyers. In Ms McGee's case our consular staff in Cuba provided to both Ms McGee and her family the details of the only law firm that is allowed to represent foreign nationals in Cuba. They also offered to facilitate payment for private legal services prior to her trial in September 1999.

Secondary information