Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 March 2006.

Extraordinary Rendition Flights

Question: Further to the Written Answers by the Lord Davies of Oldham on 20 December 2005 (WA 251–52) and 17 January (WA 99), whether the police, immigration or customs services are empowered under the Chicago convention or otherwise to investigate and search aircraft suspected of being involved in acts of extraordinary rendition, where there is a serious risk of torture or other ill-treatment of individuals held involuntarily on board such aircraft.

Answer: Yes. Nothing in the Chicago convention restricts the right of the appropriate authorities under UK law to board an aircraft for the purpose of arresting a person who they have reasonable grounds to suspect has committed or is committing an offence.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3491; 679 c62WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Extraordinary Rendition Flights
Tuesday, 17 January 2006
Written questions
House of Lords; Extraordinary Rendition Flights
Tuesday, 20 December 2005
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Detainees Aircraft Customs officers Immigration officers International law Powers of entry Police Powers Terrorism Right of search Torture Rendition Convention on International Civil Aviation
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk