§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what human rights issues he plans to raise with President Gaviria of Colombia when he visits Britain in July.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs will raise with him the concern felt in this country about human rights in Colombia and the overall level of violence there.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance his Department gives to the Colombian security services.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmorySince Colombia's appeal in 1989 for help in combatting drugs, the Department has provided assistance worth £9.1 million, with a further £0.3 million planned for this financial year. This has covered non-lethal equipment technical expertise and training to the Colombian law enforcement authorities. Areas of assistance have included bomb search and disposal, protection of VIPs, communications and riverine patrolling.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of legislation introduced to deal with drugs and terrorism in Colombia on human rights and freedom of expression.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmorySuch legislation is necessary to defend the democratic rights and freedoms of Colombian citizens and should be impartially implemented and enforced.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to deny entry visas to Colombian military officers suspected of serious human rights violations.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryColombian citizens do not need visas to enter the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of activities by the Colombian security servies on human rights.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryWe remain concerned by reports of human rights abuses in Colombia. We have urged the Colombian Government to bring to justice those responsible. We support the Colombian Government's efforts to promote greater understanding of, and respect for human rights, within the security forces, whose efforts to combat drug trafficking and terrorism make a major contribution to the protection of the human rights of the majority of Colombians.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures the26W British Government will be taking to ensure that British investment in Colombia does not contribute to environmental damage and social unrest in Colombia.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryBritish investors are required to observe the relevant Colombian legislation relating to environmental protection. Investment in Colombia should encourage economic and social development.