§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what recent research he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated regarding the Chinese judicial system; [30219]
780W(2) if he will make it his policy to encourage an independent judicial system in China. [30218]
§ Mr. FatchettMy Department regularly monitors developments in the judicial system in China, such as the recent revision of criminal laws. Both we and the EU have training and exchange programmes for Chinese lawyers and judges which aim to assist in the development of the judicial system.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to encourage the Chinese Government to implement legislation to allow non-governmental organisations to operate legally without a permit from governmental departments. [30221]
§ Mr. FatchettWe have no such plans. Nonetheless we value and support the work of NGOs in China.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to encourage the Chinese Government to strengthen the powers of the National People's Congress and local government in China. [30220]
§ Mr. FatchettWe would welcome closer contact between British parliamentarians and the National People's Congress. The EU has agreed a programme of technical assistance which aims to support and develop China's system of village governance.