HC Deb 22 April 1998 vol 310 cc643-4W
Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy that the international criminal court is independent of Governments. [39239]

Mr. Fatchett

It is our policy that the International Criminal Court should conduct its business without interference by states. States parties to the treaty establishing the Court will however be given certain powers, such as the role of electing the judges and the power to refer situations to the Prosecutor for investigation. They will also have an obligation to co-operate in assisting the Court in such matters as the provision of evidence and the transfer of suspects. We also support proposals to give the Security Council a limited role, consistent with its responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received concerning the establishment of an international criminal court. [39238]

Mr. Fatchett

We have received many representations, from MPs, NGOs and others, about the establishment of the International Criminal Court.

Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with fellow members of the United Nations Security Council regarding the creation of an international criminal court. [39241]

Mr. Fatchett

Officials in the FCO and in other departments with an interest in the International Criminal Court have had contacts with their counterparts in many other countries, both those which are members of the Security Council and those which are not, on this subject.

Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is his policy that the proposed international criminal court should have the authority to indict individuals without the threat of a national veto. [39237]

Mr. Fatchett

It is our policy that States Parties to the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court should not have a right of national veto over a prosecution. We are still considering in what circumstances a state with a direct interest in a case but which is not party to the treaty establishing the Court should have to give its consent before a prosecution can take place.

Ann Clwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with(a) the United States of America and (b) the European Union concerning the proposed international criminal court. [39240]

Mr. Fatchett

Officials from the FCO and other departments with an interest in the International Criminal Court keep in close touch with their counterparts in the Government of the United States of America. There has been EU co-ordination at the meetings of the Preparatory Committee on the Court, and the FCO hosted a two-day meeting of EU experts on the Court in February. During the remainder of our Presidency of the EU we shall continue to co-ordinate the views of EU partners on the Court, so far as it is possible to do so.