HL Deb 06 May 2003 vol 647 cc134-5WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it is their policy that Iraqi prisoners within their custody will not be transferred to United States authorities if there is a risk of their being deprived of the protection of the Geneva Conventions or of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. [HL2438]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Lord Bach)

The United Kingdom will act in accordance with its obligations under the Geneva Convention including the provisions governing the transfer of prisoners of war. Under arrangements we have agreed with coalition partners, prisoners whom we have captured will not be transferred out of Iraq without the agreement of the UK.

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether any prisoners captured by British forces in Iraq have been handed over to United States forces or control. [HL2452]

Lord Bach

All prisoners of war captured by British Forces in Iraq have been transferred to a United States internment facility in theatre. The United Kingdom remains the Detaining Power for prisoners of war transferred to the US, and they cannot be released, or removed from Iraq without UK approval.