Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 6 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 November 2003. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 November 2003 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make it his policy to make representations on behalf of individual citizens of the United Kingdom to the Government of Japan when allegations of child abduction from the United Kingdom to Japan arise; and if he will make a statement. - (Holding answer 18 November 2003).

Answer: Mr. Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to make representations on behalf of individual citizens of the United Kingdom to the Government of Japan when allegations of child abduction from the United Kingdom to Japan arise; and if he will make a statement. [137847] Mr Straw: [holding answer 18 November 2003]:In cases of child abduction to countries that are not states party to the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction 1980. such as Japan, we advise parents to resolve custody and access issues through the domestic courts in the country concerned, or through mediation. We would not make representations on behalf of British nationals to the foreign governments concerned as a matter of course, but would consider doing so in exceptional circumstances, for example once the court process has finished, in order properly to enforce the outcome.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 137847; 413 c1055W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Access Children British nationality Custody Abduction Japan Parents
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk