§ Mr. Craigenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards international action to prevent the use of torture in the light of the Amnesty programme for the prevention of torture, a copy of which has been sent to him by the hon. Member for Glasgow, Maryhill.
§ Mr. EggarWe share Amnesty's concern about all violations of human rights, including the widespread use of torture. We strongly supported the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly last December of the United Nations convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. We signed this convention on 15 March and we intend to ratify it in due course. We are participating constructively in the364W Council of Europe's negotiations on a draft European convention against torture. At the United Nations and in other international fora we have repeatedly condemned the use of torture, and we shall continue to do so, and shall make clear our hope that all member states of the United Nations will adhere to the United Nations convention against torture.