Death Sentence (Hong Kong)

HC Deb 30 October 1989 vol 159 cc57-8W

Mr. Chris Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will ensure that prisoners in Hong Kong gaols in 1997 will not be made subject to the death sentence for offences committed before the transfer; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Maude

Persons imprisoned in Hong Kong will, in accordance with the provisions of the joint declaration relating to the continuity of laws, remain subject to Hong Kong law. The joint declaration also provides that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as applied to Hong Kong shall remain in force after 1997. In this connection it is noteworthy that article 15 of the covenant prohibits the imposition of a heavier penalty than that applicable when the offence was committed.