§ Mr. Robert C. Brownasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will seek to verify the facts in relation to the Amnesty International report on the use of torture and then seek discussion in the United Nations to bring pressure to bear on the states concerned.
§ Mr. WhitneyOur missions abroad have standing instructions to keep under constant assessment the human rights situation in the countries to which they are accredited. There is discussion of torture at the United Nations — in negotiations on a draft convention on torture, in which we have played a full part, and in discussion of the record of human rights in particular countries. We shall continue to use these opportunities to bring pressure to bear on Governments which indulge in this abhorrent practice.