§ Mr. David Youngasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will review his decision not to allow the questioning of Alfredo Astiz on charges brought by Sweden and France; whether, since a state of war does not exist between the United Kingdom and Argentina, he will consider applications for his extradition; and if he will made a statement.
§ Mr. OnslowI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 11 June to my hon. Friend the Member for Morecambe and Lonsdale (Mr. Lennox-Boyd).
§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs why it was decided not to prosecute Commander Astiz in connection with alleged breaches of civil and human rights under international law; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OnslowInternational instruments on human rights do not create crimes which can be tried in the country where the alleged offender is to be found, irrespective of the place of commission of the offence. The crimes which Lieutenant-Commander Astiz is alleged to have committed did not take place in the United Kingdom or in any British territory, and he is not a national of the United Kingdom. Our courts would not therefore have had any jurisdiction in respect of the alleged offences. Thus the question of whether or not he should be prosecuted did not arise.