§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the next United Kingdom periodic report is due under the UN Convention Against Torture; and if he will consult with non-governmental organisations on its content. [7374]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe United Kingdom's third periodic report under article 19 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture is due to be submitted to the United Nations in January 1998. Non-governmental organisations will be consulted during preparation of the report.
This is in keeping with the Government's wish for greater engagement with and openness toward non-governmental organisations.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what(a) meetings and (b) discussions have taken place since May between the staff of the Prison Service and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture. [7373]
§ Mr. StrawThere have been no official meetings or discussions between Prison Service staff and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) since May 1994 when the CPT last visited places of detention in the United Kingdom.