HC Deb 22 February 1971 vol 812 cc19-20
10. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to secure the ratification by the United Kingdom of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Anthony Boyle)

Her Majesty's Government intend to ratify the Convention as soon as the necessary legislation has been enacted. A Bill to give effect to the Convention will be submitted to the House as soon as possible by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

Mr. Maclennan

Will the Government display some urgency in this matter? Can the hon. Gentleman say what amendments to our domestic law are necessary, particularly that on extradition?

Mr. Royle

I am not in a position to give precise dates, but I hope that the necessary legislation will be passed during the present Session of Parliament. Each party to the Convention undertakes to make hijacking an offence subject to severe penalties. The Convention also contains provisions on jurisdiction, prosecution, and extradition, designed together to ensure that hijackers are brought to justice and thus provide an effective deterrent to hijacking.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

May I ask my hon. Friend whether he will be make an exception in the cases of those seeking political asylum?

Mr. Royle

This matter is covered in the legislation which will be brought before the House.