HC Deb 10 February 1998 vol 306 cc136-7
11. Ms Ryan

If he will make a statement on the ratification of the additional protocols to the 1949 Geneva conventions. [26441]

Mr. Doug Henderson

I am pleased to say that we have ratified the additional protocols to the Geneva conventions. The Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Manchester, Central (Mr. Lloyd), announced that to the House in a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Dartford (Dr. Stoate) on 28 January.

Ms Ryan

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer. What measures will the Government take to ensure that that ratification is genuinely meaningful in practice?

Mr. Henderson

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for that question. The Foreign Office will of course undertake continual monitoring of those matters. On the same day the protocols were signed, the Government announced a £5.8 million aid scheme to the International Red Cross, and part of its endeavours include ensuring that those protocols are adhered to.