HC Deb 18 May 1992 vol 208 c12W
Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to promote more activity within the United Nations to restrict trade in instruments of torture.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

The United Kingdom supports the work of the UN special rapporteur on torture and encourages states to accede to the UN convention against torture, and to respect its provisions. Universal acceptance of the convention would remove all trade in instruments of torture.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are taken to investigate human rights records of countries that seek to buy instruments of torture.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

We oppose torture anywhere and monitor the human rights records of countries thought to practice it. We take seriously any allegations of equipment being exported from the United Kingdom intended for use in torture.

Mr. Kirkwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is taken in United Kingdom embassies and consulates around the world to monitor human rights abuses by regimes who may be involved in the trade of instruments of torture within the United Kingdom.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

All United Kingdom diplomatic posts monitor and report on the human rights situation in the countries to which they are accredited.