§ Lord GainfordMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to reform the law on extradition.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Elton)My Lords, recommendations for improvements in the law and practice of extradition were put forward by an interdepartmental working party, whose report was published in May 1982. My right honourable friend is now considering these recommendations in the light of the comments which he has received from interested organisations and individuals.
§ Lord GainfordMy Lords, I thank my noble friend the Minister for that reply. Has he any information as to when the findings may be known to the public, and can he give any assurance that consideration is being given to the blocking of possible loopholes which exist in the law at the moment, with the result that certain criminals may be evading justice?
§ Lord EltonMy Lords, the efficacy of the law is always a matter of concern, but no decisions have yet been taken on the recommendations in the report, and the Government have no plans at present to introduce legislation.