HC Deb 24 October 1973 vol 861 cc1247-9
24. Mr. Willey

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the right of individual petition under the European Human Rights Convention.

The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Anthony Royle)

Britain has accepted the right of individual petition under Article 25 of the convention. In common with most other States which have accepted this right, we have done so for a specific period. Our present declaration expires on 13th January 1974. We are currently considering the question of further renewal.

Mr. Willey

I thank the Minister for his reply, but is he aware that it is important to establish this right? I recognise the difficulties, but does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the matter is urgent and that the British Government should take a favourable decision shortly?

Mr. Royle

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for his remarks. The matter is important, and our decision will be taken before 13th January, when our present declaration expires.

Mr. David Steel

Will the Minister confirm that the matter is under review? Will he bear in mind that there is a widespread view in the country that nothing would be more damaging to our reputation than to rescind our adherence to this convention simply because of an embarrassing judgment of the court against this country?

Mr. Royle

I do not think that our actions have been out of line with those of others. Belgium has renewed for, i believe, two years, and we renewed last time for two years. We shall give the subject careful consideration and take a decision in good time.

Sir Elwyn Jones

As the convention enables, perhaps for the first time in human history, an individual petitioner to have the right and opportunity in approriate cases of bringing his grievance before an international tribunal, would it not be an extremely retrograde step for the United Kingdom Government to deny that right in respect of complaints of actions by the United Kingdom Government, of whatever political colour?

Mr. Royle

All these matters will be closely considered before we reach our decision at the end of the year.

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