asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, at the next meeting of European Political Co-operation, he will ask his colleagues to make representations for the release of Rudolf Hess, who is over 90 years of age and has spent the best part of 40 years in Spandau prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Detention of Rudolf Hess.
22.
Rudolf Hess was tried before the Nuremberg war crimes tribunal, sentenced and imprisoned at the end of the second World War by the four occupying powers, namely, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Soviet Union. He has been held in Spandau military prison under Four Power agreement since that time. His continued detention in Spandau is a matter for these four powers and I understand that the three western powers involved, who are prepared to agree to his release on humanitarian grounds, keep the case under review. I do not consider that there is any useful action that I, or the Twelve within the framework of European Political Co-operation, could take on this question.