§ Lord Melchettasked 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 EltonWe 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.