To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether she has raised the case of the death of John Foulkes in Malta with the authorities in that country. (113939)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office cannot interfere in the judicial processes of other countries nor does it have any investigative function. However, consular officials have, at the request of Mr. Foulkes’ family, been in regular contact with the police authorities and the Attorney-General’s office in Malta. Most recently, consular officials spoke with the police officer who is leading the investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Foulke’s death on 30 November 2006. On the same date our officials enquired about a letter that had been sent to the Attorney-General’s office by the Foulkes family.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance has been provided to Emily Foulkes of Sittingbourne and Sheppey constituency in relation to the death of a family member in Malta. (113940)

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer that I gave him today (UIN 113939). Consular officials have been in regular contact with Emily Foulkes and have provided her with all the information that they can. We have advised that it will be necessary to appoint legal representation in Malta to act on the family’s behalf. We have also been able to obtain and return some of Mr. Foulkes’ personal effects to his family.