HL Deb 25 April 1984 vol 451 cc124-5WA
Lord Donaldson of Kingsbridge

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to negotiate international arrangements for the transfer of prisoners with countries outside the Council of Europe; how many such negotiations have already begun and what stage they have reached; and what plans they have to bring the terms of any such arrangements before Parliament.

Lord Elton

The Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons has been drawn up with a view to accession also by non-member states, subject to invitation by the Council of Europe. Canada and the United States have already declared their intention to become parties. It is hoped therefore that the convention will become the main vehicle for transfer arrangements between the United Kingdom and other countries. We have approached the Governments of Thailand and Peru to seek prisoner transfer arrangements with them, either through the convention or by the negotiation of bilateral agreements. Both governments have expressed a preference for the latter, and draft agreements are being prepared for their consideration. The Commonwealth Secretariat are also, I understand, working on proposals for a Commonwealth scheme. As soon as any agreement is signed, its terms will be published as a Command Paper.