HC Deb 18 November 1977 vol 939 cc398-400W
Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list in the Official Report the number of persons wanted for questioning by the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong in countries other than Taiwan and Canada; and if he will list the countries concerned.

Mr. Luard

The following is a detailed breakdown of the whereabouts of persons wanted for questioning by the Independent Commission Against Corruption:

United Kingdom 4
United States of America 2
Singapore 1
Australia 1
Whereabouts unknown 5

In addition, persons against whom warrants have been issued are located as follows:

United States of America 1
Indonesia 1
South America 1
Thailand 1
Japan 1
France 1
Whereabouts unknown 7

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken by Her Majesty's Government, the Hong Kong Government and Interpol concerning extradition proceedings against persons in Taiwan wanted for questioning by the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

Mr. Luard

There are no arrangements for the extradition of offenders from Taiwan to Hong Kong.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many persons wanted for questioning by the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong are in Taiwan.

Mr. Luard

About 20 persons against whom warrants have ben issued by the Independent Commission Against Corruption are believed to be in Taiwan. A further 21 persons believed to be in Taiwan are wanted for questioning.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Canadian Government concerning persons wanted for questioning by the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Luard

Application for the extradition of one of the two wanted persons believed to be in Canada has been made by the Hong Kong Government. Legal proceedings are still continuing. Whether or not extradition procedings will be instituted against the other persons depends on the outcome of the case. Her Majesty's Government have taken no part in the proceedings which are of a judicial nature.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many persons wanted for questioning by the Hong Kong Government are now resident in Canada.

Mr. Luard

Two.

Mr. Parry

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he is satisfied with the workings of the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Luard

Yes. My right hon. Friend has the highest regard and admiration for the way in which the Independent Commission Against Corruption has been conducted and for the very able and dedicated leadership of the Commissioner, Mr. Jack Cater.

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