§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Portsmouth, North (Mr. Rapson), of 28 July,Official Report, columns 65–66, on the export of certain types of equipment, what is the evidence that equipment designed primarily for torture, sold abroad by Britain, has in the past been used for torture; and if he will place a copy of the evidence in the Library. [12592]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe have received many reports of equipment being used overseas for torture from, for example, UN Rapporteurs, NGOs, the media and our Diplomatic Posts. Most of this information is publicly available.
We have decided on measures to prevent the export or transhipment from the UK of particular items of equipment where such reporting provides a clear pattern of abuse. These measures, announced on 28 July, Official Report, columns 65–66, are based on such reports of the use of similar equipment of any origin, not specifically the use of British equipment.