Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 June 2006.

Netherlands: Criminal Investigations

Question: Whether they will make representations to the Government of the Netherlands to ensure that British and other non-Dutch speaking persons in the Netherlands, charged or under investigation for crimes, receive proper translation and interpretation services, access to lawyers and reasonable facilities in prison.

Answer: We take the rights of British nationals in prison overseas very seriously. Our embassy in The Hague and our consulate-general in Amsterdam are in regular contact with the Dutch law enforcement authorities, including prisons, to ensure that the human rights of prisoners are respected. If specific allegations are received about problems with translation and access to lawyers in an individual case, then we will consider raising our concern with the relevant Dutch authorities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 6492; 683 c167WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Access British nationality Human rights Legal representation Prisoners Netherlands Interpreters
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk