To ask Her Majesty's Government what countries receive for detention pirates captured off the Horn of Africa. [HL3928]

The UK and EU have agreed memorandums of understanding covering the transfer of suspected pirates captured off the Horn of Africa to Kenya.

In order to assist Kenya with providing the facilities and legal processes related to the trial and detention of these prisoners, the European Commission recently approved assistance through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to support trial and legal costs related to prosecution of piracy suspects in Kenya. The programme budget is €1.75 million. The programme began on 15 May 2009 and will run for 18 months.

The contact group on piracy off the coast of Somalia on 29 May 2009 endorsed the creation of an international trust fund to assist with the cost of prosecuting pirates and support regional development that is deemed important in counterpiracy work.