HL Deb 29 January 1998 vol 585 cc59-60WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have, including legislation, to prevent British companies trading, directly or indirectly, in goods and services which contribute to torture in foreign countries. [HL235]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)

I refer the noble Lord to the Answer given in another place on 28 July by my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary to the honourable Member for Portsmouth North.

As stated in the earlier Answer, the extent to which any new legislation should seek to control trafficking in undesirable goods and the brokering of such deals is being considered in HMG's review of strategic export controls. HMG's proposals following this review will be set out during the current parliamentary Session, probably in the form of a White Paper.