Written question asked by Candy Atherton (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 November 2002. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 November 2002 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 action he has taken in the case of (a) Peter Devlin from Falmouth and (b) other divers involved in the Friesland salvage. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Ms Atherton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he has taken in the case of (a) Peter Devlin from Falmouth and (b) other divers involved in the Friesland salvage. [77187] Mr. Mike O'Brien:: When our consular staff in Madrid were notified on 21 June of the men's detention they contacted the court and were told that Mr. Devlin and the other divers had been released pending further investigations. Our consular staff in London have spoken to Mr. Devlin on five occasions about the matter and our Honorary Consul in Vigo spoke to the judge hearing the case who confirmed that some, but not all, of the men's equipment would be released. My noble Friend Baroness Amos wrote to my hon. Friend on 11 October explaining that this was a legal matter and that the company should be guided by its lawyer.

Secondary information