Written question asked by Alice Mahon (Labour) on Monday, 5 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 21 July 2004. It was answered by Chris Mullin (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 July 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 discussions he has had with Mr Sandy Mitchell on the exchange of prisoners with the Saudi Arabian Government and the US Administration; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mrs. Mahon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with Mr. Sandy Mitchell on the exchange of prisoners with the Saudi Arabian Government and the US Administration; and if he will make a statement. [182977] Mr. Mullin: The release of Saudi detainees from Guantanamo is a matter for the US and Saudi Governments. It would not be appropriate for either Ministers or officials to discuss this matter with Mr. Mitchell. Ministers, including my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, have spoken to Mr. Mitchell since his return to the UK. Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials remain in contact with him. We were relieved that he was released and returned to the UK. This was something we worked very hard for.

Secondary information