HC Deb 22 June 1999 vol 333 cc346-7W
Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to propose changes to the international conventions on refugees; and if he will make a statement. [87381]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Government have no present plans to propose changes to the main international instruments on refugees. We are strongly committed to the principle of protection for those genuinely fearing persecution. In the longer term, it will be nece0073sary to ensure that the totality of international law and agreements continues to support this principle effectively, taking account of the many developments since the Geneva Convention of 1951, in particular the growing problem of false claims for protection being used to circumvent legitimate controls on immigration.