Saudi Arabia (British Subjects) Mr. James Hamilton asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will make a statement regarding the arrest of British subjects in Saudi Arabia, especially the arrest of Mr. William Sims, a constitutent of the hon. Member for Bothwell. Mr. Hurd There are 31 British subjects in detention in Saudi Arabia, 15 for alcohol offences. Mr. Sims was arrested on 16 April along with a companion after a party in Al-Khobar.At a hearing on 28 April he was sentenced to 80 strokes of the cane for an offence against the law on alcohol. He is expected to return to this country in a few days. He and other detainees have been receiving normal consular assistance.