Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps he has taken to investigate allegations on Channel 4's Dispatches programme of 4 February 2017 that members of the armed forces and the RUC were involved in waterboarding detained persons in Northern Ireland in 1972.

The UK unreservedly condemns the use of torture or inhuman treatment. We work hard with our international partners to eradicate this abhorrent practice. We have consistently made clear our absolute opposition to torture and our determination to combat it wherever and whenever it occurs.

Preventing torture and tackling impunity for those who torture are essential components of safeguarding our security and are integral to a fair legal system and the rule of law.

The UK abides by its commitments under international law and expects all countries to comply with their international legal obligations.

The UK Government, including the intelligence and security agencies, never uses torture for any purpose, including to obtain information.

As in any circumstances, if anyone has evidence of any wrongdoing, that should be brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities for investigation.