Written question asked by Ann Clwyd (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 February 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 February 2002. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 February 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 1st February 2002, 379 c599W, if he will specify the appropriate guidance to the UK forces operating in Afghanistan to ensure compliance with the UK's international legal obligations; and if prisoners captured in Afghanistan by UK forces will be accorded prisoner of war status under the Geneva Convention.

Answer: Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 1 February 2002, Official Report, column 599W, if he will specify the appropriate guidance to the UK forces operating in Afghanistan to ensure compliance with the UK's international legal obligations; and if prisoners captured in Afghanistan by UK forces will be accorded prisoner of war status under the Geneva Convention. [35032] Mr. Hoon: I am withholding the specific details of the guidance referred to, in accordance with Exemption (1a) of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information. Whether any detainee is a prisoner of war depends on the facts of each individual case. It is for the Detaining Power in the first instance to take a view.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 35032; 380 c173W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Armed forces Armed conflict Deployment Geneva Conventions Prisoners Afghanistan Prisoners' rights
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk