Written question asked by Lord Dykes (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Thursday, 15 June 2006.

Extraordinary Rendition Flights

Question: Why they are refusing an independent inquiry into United States rendition flights and detentions in United Kingdom airspace.

Answer: As we have found no evidence of detainees being rendered through UK territory or airspace where there were substantial grounds to believe there was a real risk of torture, it is not clear what the basis of such an inquiry would be. My right honourable friend the then Foreign Secretary (Jack Straw) set out in his Written Ministerial Statement of 20 January the results of the extensive review of official records back to May 1997 (Official Report, House of Commons, cols. 37–38WS). We have also fully co-operated with international inquiries on this matter. The Government’s replies to the Council of Europe Secretary-General’s requests for information is available in the Library of the House.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 6190; 683 c38-9WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Rendition Allegations (Inquiries)
Friday, 20 January 2006
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects: Detainees Aviation Inquiries International law Prisoners' transfers Terrorism Torture USA Rendition
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk