§ Mrs. Jane KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations he has had with other EU member states concerning possible measures to prevent sex tourism and the sexual abuse of children in developing countries; and if he will make a statement. [28839]
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 15 June 1995]: We are monitoring closely the ability of other countries' laws, including those of other EU member states, to deal with the problem of child prostitution and sex tourism, to see whether any lessons can be learnt.
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§ Mrs. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce legislation to permit the prosecution in the United Kingdom of United Kingdom subjects who commit sexual offences, with particular reference to those against children, in foreign countries. [28837]
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 15 June 1995]: The Government deplore the sexual exploitation of children, wherever it may occur. Our own law against such abuse is rightly severe. Our courts' jurisdiction, though, is territorially based rather than nationality based, and we therefore have no power to prosecute British nationals who commit offences against children in other countries.
We are, however, considering whether there is any scope for further Government action to tackle the problem of child prostitution and sex tourism.
§ Mrs. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he intends to take to monitor the sale and promotion of sex holidays in foreign countries by tour operators, travel agents and individuals in the United Kingdom. [28838]
§ Mr. Maclean[holding answer 15 June 1995]: We are aware of the concern about the sale and promotion of sex holidays in foreign countries by tour operators, travel agents and individuals in the United Kingdom. By its nature, such activity does not lend itself likely to monitoring by the Government. We are, however, currently considering whether international police liaison in this area could be improved.