Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 April 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 May 2002. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 May 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 discussions he has had with the Dutch government concerning cooperation regarding the British and Dutch plane-spotters in Greece.

Answer: Mr. Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Dutch Government concerning co-operation regarding the British and Dutch plane-spotters in Greece. [54147] Mr. Straw: I have had no direct discussions with the Dutch Government concerning this case. However since the arrest of the aviation enthusiasts, on 10 November 2001 until their release on 14 December 2001, our embassy in Athens were in almost daily contact with the Dutch embassy at consul, consul-general and ambassadorial levels. On 9 December, our ambassador along with the Dutch ambassador visited the defendants while in prison. On 19 April this year both the British and Dutch consuls in Athens met with the group's defence lawyers, and sat together during the trial between 24-26 April.

Secondary information