HC Deb 10 February 1947 vol 433 cc3-4
2. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the British representative on the commission now engaged in drawing up an international bill of human rights will press for the inclusion in this document of specific provisions for the abolition of any political, social or economic disability based on racial discrimination.

Mr. McNeil

My hon. Friend may be assured that the United Kingdom representative on the Commission will not fail to advance by the most appropriate methods, the declared purpose of the United Nations; that is the promotion of human rights without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.

Mr. Driberg

If such provisions are included in this document, could my right hon. Friend give an assurance that, so far as we are concerned, they will be as specific and as definite as possible, so that the document will not become a dead letter —like, for instance, in this respect, the American Constitution?

Mr. McNeil

The American Constitution is a matter for another Government. If the United Nations adopts such bill, then His Majesty's Government will take care, as far as that is necessary— and I suggest that it is not very necessary— to see that within our affairs it is not a dead letter.