HL Deb 20 July 1995 vol 566 cc53-4WA
Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make representations to the Government of China suggesting the reallocation of resources from central government to orphanages and welfare centres, taking into account the training and salaries of staff involved in child care and to increase the numbers of those persons in charge of children; and

Whether they will make representations to the Government of China suggesting an increased allocated discount for all medication and hospitalisation for orphans in the state-run orphanages and welfare centres.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

We remain deeply concerned about the human rights situation in China, including the conditions in Chinese state orphanages, but allocation of Chinese state funds is a matter for the Chinese authorities.

Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consultation the Spanish Government held with other states of the European Union before announcing that human rights in China would not be an issue during their presidency of the European Union; and whether they will propose that the European Union raise with China the recent arrests of dissidents, and particularly that of Mr. Harry Wu.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

There is no question of human rights in China not being an issue for the European Union. The European Union issued a declaration on 7 June calling for the release of dissidents detained recently. We are in close contact with our European Union partners and the United States about the detention of Mr. Harry Wu.