§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they remain committed to the advancement of human rights and good governance as part of the objective of their overseas aid policy and, if so, what is their policy towards the People's Republic China, with particular reference to its Tibetan minority, in the light of recent reports concerning: prisoners of conscience, including those held solely for their non-violent expression of religious conviction; unfair trials; torture; and ill-treatment of juvenile detainees in contravention of the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyAid decisions take account of a range of criteria, including human rights and good governance. We regularly raise our concerns over human rights with the Chinese. Our aid programme in China provides opportunities for dialogue. We are more likely to have a beneficial impact through co-operation than by cutting contacts. Withholding aid would diminish our influence to help those whose rights are infringed.