Mrs Diana Mawdsley
Lord Alton of Liverpool asked Her Majesty’s Government:
- Whether the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have received a letter from Mrs Diana Mawdsley concerning the captivity of her son, James, in Burma; and when they anticipate acknowledging and replying to this correspondence.[HL1333]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: A letter dated 17 February from Mrs Diana Mawdsley, was received on 23 February and a reply was sent from our Consular Division on 29 February. A copy of the letter was faxed to Mr & Mrs Mawdsley on 1 March.
Mr James Mawdsley
Lord Alton of Liverpool asked Her Majesty’s Government:
- (a) whether they have obtained a transcript of James Mawdsley’s trial in Burma; (b) whether they have obtained details of who was present at the trial; (c) whether the Burmese authorities have agreed to an appeal being held in public; and (d) what arrangements will be made to ensure that James Mawdsley is properly represented at the appeal. [HL1334]
Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Our Ambassador in Rangoon met Deputy Foreign Minister, Khin Maung Win on 1 March and requested the trial transcript. The Embassy sent a written reminder on 3 March. We will not know who was present at the trial until we receive the transcript.
The Ambassador also raised the issue of a public appeal hearing and the other conditions James wants met with the Deputy Foreign Minister during their meeting. The Minister took note and will inform the Embassy when a decision has been reached.
We will do everything we can to ensure that James receives legal representation if he chooses to appeal.
