HL Deb 13 April 1983 vol 441 c300WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why they were unable to sign the Council of Europe's Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons when it was opened for signature on 21st March 1983; whether they will confirm that discussions leading to the final text of the convention started in 1978; whether they will list the countries that have signed the convention; when they expect to sign the convention; and when they expect to introduce the legislation that will enable the United Kingdom to notify the convention.

Lord Elton

We did not sign the convention because we have not yet completed consideration of all the issues involved. Discussion of a draft convention began in 1980 following an initiative by European Ministers of Justice in 1978. We understand that the following countries signed on 21st March 1983; Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada and the USA. We expect to decide soon whether to sign the convention, but I cannot say anything at this stage about the timing of any legislation on the subject.