§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reform the Extradition Act 1870.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI recognise the desirability of reviewing this legislation in the light of the experience of more than a century. Such a review must take account of a number of factors, including the growth of international crime, the continuing importance of safeguards for the individual, and the development of multilateral extradition conventions.
In the first instance I propose that an interdepartmental working party which made a study of our extradition law some time ago should be reconvened to take account of recent developments. I intend that a consultative document on reform of the Extradition Act should be published in the light of the working party's report.