IT is heartening to see that Foreign Secretary Robin Cook has pledged not to rest in his efforts to find out what has happened to Blackburn hostage Paul Wells, kidnapped in Kashmir.

It is not difficult to imagine the agonies inflicted upon Paul's family, and those of the other men kidnapped at the same time.

No family should have to go through that sort of ordeal.

Robin Cook is to be commended for his determination and persistence.

Observers believe It was his tenacity over this matter that was partly the reason for the unseemly diplomatic row which blew up during the Queen's visit to India and Pakistan earlier this month.

If that is so, Mr Cook should not be reproached.

The plight of the hostages and of their families takes precedence over the niceties of a Royal visit which many feel was ill conceived in the first place.

As Mr Cook says, the families have a right to know the fate of these men.

Whether they are alive or dead, the dreadful suspense the families are enduring must be brought to an end.

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