§ Mr. AllanTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will suspend military aid to Colombia until the Colombian Government takes action to comply with UN recommendations on human rights. [138945]
§ Mr. IngramBritish military assistance to Colombia includes bomb disposal training and provision of British military education. It complements Colombian efforts to reduce the number of deaths, both civilian and military, from explosive devices, and introduces Colombian military personnel to British defence concepts in key areas such as Rules of Engagement and democratic and accountable control of the armed forces. In view of the clear humanitarian benefits this British military assistance offers to the Colombian people, we do not intend to suspend it.