§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications have been received from France for extradition of persons to face terrorist charges, in each of the last 5 years; when 749W each application was received; what progress has been made; what the reasons are for delay in process; and if he will make a statement. [85718]
§ Mr. Bob Ainsworth[holding answer 9 December 2002]: In the past five years, France has made requests for the extradition of three persons accused of charges relating to terrorist activity.
One request made in March 1996 led to the fugitive's surrender to France in March 1998.
In another, a request made in April 2001 has just completed its judicial stages. The fugitive now has a statutory opportunity to make representations to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary as to why his surrender should not take place. Those representations are awaited.
In the remaining case, there are two outstanding requests. The first covers three separate requisitions made in November and December 1995 and in February 1996. Following lengthy proceedings, a decision in October 2001 to order surrender was quashed in June 2002 by the courts. We are awaiting a response from French authorities on matters raised by the judgment in order that the case may be reviewed. A further request for extradition, involving additional charges, was made in the same case in October 2001. That matter is still before the courts.
A Bill to streamline and modernise current extradition procedures is now before parliament.