HC Deb 08 November 2000 vol 356 c281W
Rev. Martin Smyth

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has for proposing legislation to establish an international criminal court. [137107]

Mr. Hain

The Government will introduce legislation to enable ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as soon as the parliamentary timetable allows. The ICC Bill was published in draft on 25 August and a consultation process on the draft Bill has been completed.

Mr. Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his participation in the talks designed to create an International Criminal Court. [136984]

Mr. Hain

The UK has fully participated throughout the negotiations on the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The sixth session of the Preparatory Commission for the ICC begins in New York on 27 November and British officials will again be actively involved.