§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will indicate the progress made by the United Nations ad hoc committee set up in 1980 on the drafting of an international convention against the recruitment, use, financing and training of mercenaries; and if he will make a statement about the contribution made by the United Kingdom's representatives on this committee.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe United Kingdom played a full part in the committee's work. The committee's annual reports are available in the Library of the House. It has made progress in certain areas, notably on the question of definitions, but much remains to be done given the very substantial difficulties inherent in the subject matter. We will continue to urge the necessity of reaching solutions which command the widest possible acceptance internationally.