§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his assessment is of the human rights situation in(a) the People's Republic of China and (b) Hong Kong. [137923]
§ Mr. BattleWhile there has been some improvement in economic and social rights in China, the overall situation continues to be a matter of serious concern. Over the last two years there has been a marked deterioration in the respect for key civil and political rights including freedoms of assembly, conscience and expression. Fair treatment in the legal process is routinely abused through the use of arbitrary detention, "re-education through Labour" and excessive sentences against democracy activists, Falun Gong Leaders, Tibetan and other activists. We address these concerns through a policy of critical dialogue including Ministerial exchanges and regular bilateral human rights talks with the Chinese.