HC Deb 01 August 1978 vol 955 c229W
Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will indicate the circumstances in which it is his policy to comment on the judicial processes in a foreign country.

Mr. Luard

In general, it has been established policy under successive Governments that it is not appropriate to comment on matters which are sub judice in a foreign country. In this regard my right hon. Friend's policy is similar to the rule of this House concerning judicial processes in the United Kingdom. Only in exceptional circumstances, for example, where considerations of conformity with international obligations arise, would comments on processes in a foreign country be appropriate.

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