TNAG-1708-FCO40-2383-Hong-Kong-narcotics-offences-and-drug-trafficking-1987 — Page 151

291

Written Answers

Hilingdon and South Bucks Newspaper Group International Thompson Organisation............ Liverpool Daily Post and Echo Plc. Lonrho Plc.

Mid Sussex Times Group News Corporation

Newspaper Publishing Plc. Pearson Plc.

Post Newspaper Group United Newspaper Group United Newspaper Plc. Westminster Press Limited

14 MAY 1987

HAD 383/1

REDATE USESI8¬

COL-4JUN 1987

VOL

Worthing Gazette and Herald Group

Iraqi Pilots (Training)

Mrs. Clwyd asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the training of Iraqi pilots at Kidlington, including (a) the number of Iraqi pilots currently at Kidlington, (b) whether their training is intended to equip them as military or civilian pilots, and (c) whether and on what basis his Department is satisfied that the skills acquired in the United Kingdom will not be used in the war against Iran.

Mr. Renton: We do not have details of the number of foreign students, including Iraqis, currently training at the privately-owned and run Oxford air training school at Kidlington. We are aware, however, that the training leads to civilian pilots licences, both private and commercial, and we understand that the skills obtained cannot of themselves be used in an offensive role.

Residence Re-entry Visas

Mr. Gerald Bowden asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what basis the cost of residence re-entry visas to the United Kingdom is calculated; and what information he has as to how this figure compares with the fee charged by other

for Organisation

Economic Co-operation and Development countries.

Mr. Eggar: “Visa exempt” stamps issued in the United Kingdom and "returning resident” visas issued overseas to nationals of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Ghana are issued free of charge. For other visa nationals residence re-entry visas issued in the United Kingdom and returning resident visas issued overseas cost £20 for a single entry visa and £40 for a multiple entry visa. These are the United Kingdom's standard worldwide charge for all short-term and multiple entry visas. They are calculated on the basis tht income from fees should as much as possible offset the costs of the entry clearance operation. Details of comparative fees charged by other OECD member states are not available centrally.

Council of Europe

Mr. Murphy asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the level of support in the United Kingdom for the work of the Council of Europe in terms of publicity.

Mr. Eggar: Publicising the work of the Council of Europe in member states is the responsibility of the council's directorate of press and information.

مشكلة

in 25

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Written Answers

Western European Union

R

Mr. Murphy asked the Secretary of State for Foreign. and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the level of support in the United Kingdom for the work of the Western European Union in terms of publicity.

Mr Eggar: The WEU Secretary General has asponsibility for publicising Western European Union activities. British Ministers keep Parliament and the public informed on a regular basis. I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Wallasey (Mrs. Chalker) on 30 April at column 197.

Hong Kong

Mr. Meadowcroft asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what stage the discussion and negotiations with the People's Republic of China have reached with regard to the Fugitive Offenders Act (Hong Kong) Order 1967;

(2) if he will make a statement on the timetable for enacting legislation with regard to the Fugitive Offenders Act (Hong Kong) Order 1967;

(3) what is his intention regarding the application of safeguards embodied in the Fugitive Offenders Act (Hong Kong) Order after the termination of British sovereignty and jurisdiction;

(4) what safeguards will be contained within the terms of Fugitive Offenders Act, disregarding the external relations provisions of section 2.2 (a), after the termination of British sovereignty and jurisdiction over Hong Kong;

(5) what information he has as to what amendments to the People's Republic of China constitution have been agreed in order that for the purposes of extradition Hong Kong will not be deemed a colony of the People's Republic of China;

(6) whether the safeguards embodied in the Fugitive Offenders Act (Hong Kong) Order will be formalised in treaty form with the People's Republic of China;

(7) what guarantees have been agreed on behalf of the new sovereign power regarding post-custodial treatment of any person extradited to Hong Kong under the provisions of the Fugitive Offenders Act;

(8) whether the localisation of all legislation that is presently derived from the United Kingdom includes power to amend the Fugitive Offenders Act (Hong Kong) Order prior to 1997;

(9) what information he has as to whether the proposed amendment to the constitution of the People's Republic of China is to include a reference to the speciality principle.

Mr. Renton: The arrangements currently in force in respect of Hong Kong as regards the return of fugitive offenders to and from the territory cannot subsist in their present form, beyond the resumption by China of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997. We are considering what action would be appropriate to ensure that suitable arrangements can continue in force in respect of Hong Kong after that date. The continuity after 1997 of such arrangements affecting Hong Kong will require consulta- tion with the Chinese Government.

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