Written question asked by Candy Atherton (Labour) on Wednesday, 27 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 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 representations he has made to the Spanish authorities in relation to (a) Mr Peter Devlin and (b) other Cornish divers awaiting trial in Galicia.

Answer: Ms Atherton: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Spanish authorities in relation to (a) Mr. Peter Devlin and (b) other Cornish divers awaiting trial in Galicia. [195132] Mr. Alexander: Peter Devlin and three other divers from Force 9 Salvage were arrested on 20 June 2002 and released the same day. The Spanish investigation is continuing and the divers have not yet been formally charged. On 9 September 2002, our Honorary Consul in Vigo made representations on behalf of Peter Devlin and the other divers to the Court in La Coruna about the return of some of the company's diving equipment. The court agreed to release equipment not related to the investigation, but we understand not all the requested equipment has been returned. Our Honorary Consul in Vigo has also made enquiries, most recently on 5 November 2004, to the Spanish Navy Commander in Galicia and the President of the Supreme Court in Galicia. Consular officials will continue to monitor the case and provide all proper consular assistance.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 195132; 426 c1065-6W;426 c1069-70W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Criminal investigation Archaeology Prisoners Seas and oceans Spain Devlin, Peter
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk