§ Lord Jenkins of Putneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they intend to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and whether they will invite the United States and the USSR to join them.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)We signed the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment on 15th March this year. We intend to ratify it in due course. But before doing so we need to examine whether our current legislation and other arrangements accord with its provisions or whether new legislation will be required. This examination and further consultation with the Dependent Territories, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man will necessarily take time. We shall continue to make clear at the United Nations that we hope that all member states will adhere to this convention.