§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received that British nationals are operating as mercenaries in Colombia. [16749]
§ Mr. David DavisThere were allegations in 1990 that a British citizen had renewed an association with drug traffickers in Colombia. We strongly condemn such alleged activities. There have been no allegations since 1990. We remain in close contact with the Colombian authorities about all security issues of mutual interest.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received concerning the murder of trade union activists in Colombia between August 1992 and August 1993. [16750]
§ Mr. David DavisI have seen various reports on these lines. The Colombian authorities are fully aware of the concern felt in Britain about human rights in Colombia.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his Department gives to encourage the activities of trade unions in Colombia. [16751]
§ Mr. David DavisNone. The embassy in Bogota maintains contact with a wide range of organisations in Colombia, including unions.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support his Department gives to police forces in Colombia; and how much the support has cost in each year since 1990. [16452]
§ Mr. David DavisOur aid includes non-lethal equipment, technical expertise and training to the Colombian law enforcement agencies combating the drugs trade.
The figures are:
- 1990: £3.5 million
- 1991: £2 million
- 1992: £432,000
- 1993: £286,000
- 1994: £271,000