§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what steps the British Government are taking to ensure that a date is set 403W for the holding of the plenipotentiary diplomatic conference on the establishment of an international criminal court during 1996; [4654]
(2) what assessment he has made of (a) progress towards and (b) the timetable for the establishment of an international criminal court; and if he will make a statement. [4652]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorWe are active participants in the process to consider the establishment of an international criminal court. We supported the recommendations of the preparatory committee that up to nine weeks were required for further preparatory work, and that a date for an international conference should be set in 1998. Progress made by the preparatory committee in 1997 will need to be reviewed by next year's general assembly.
§ Mr. LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has recently received regarding the establishment of an international criminal court. [4653]
§ Sir Nicholas BonsorWe have received representations about the establishment of an international criminal court from hon. Members, non-governmental organisations and members of the public.