HC Deb 01 December 1992 vol 215 c88W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Governments of the former Soviet Union concerning neo-Nazi and extreme right-wing activities in these countries; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We look to all countries of the former Soviet Union to live up to their obligations and commitments in respect of human rights, including the rights of ethnic and religious minorities. We use appropriate opportunities to express to their Governments our concern about the activities of extremist groupings of all persuasions.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the Governments of Germany, Spain, and France concerning neo-nazi activities in those countries; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Garel-Jones

Her Majesty's Government are very alert to the rise in attacks against foreigners in Europe. So are the Governments of Germany, France and Spain. The European Council has twice issued declarations expressing its condemnation of racism and xenophobia: at Dublin in June 1990 and at Maastricht in December 1991. The European Parliament also issued resolutions on the subject during its plenary sessions in March and November this year. The problem is being addressed both at the European and national level.