asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the present position with regard to Mr. Peter Sainsbury, detained in Beirut since 30th September 1977 without being charged; and whether he will make a statement

Mr. Sainsbury was arrested in Beirut on 30th September 1977 and accused of issuing cheques without financial cover, fraud and abuse of confidence. Despite repeated representations by the embassy in Beirut to speed up the legal proceedings a trial date has not yet been fixed. A decision about bail is expected shortly. The embassy remains in close touch with Mr. Sainsbury and his lawyer.