HL Deb 25 May 1994 vol 555 cc40-1WA
Lord Dean of Beswick

asked Her Majesty's Government:

On how many occasions in the last five years the United States Government have applied for the extradition of people to face criminal or other charges; how many of these were UK citizens; and how many of these applications were granted.

Earl Ferrers

Extradition procedures apply only to criminal matters. Central records do not show details of the nationality of persons resident in this country in respect of whom extradition requests are made. That is because the United Kingdom makes no distinction between its own citizens and those of other countries when considering extradition requests.

Since January 1989, the United States Government has made 113 requests for the extradition of persons to face criminal charges in that country. Of these, 42 persons—37 per cent. of the total—were surrendered or returned voluntarily.