§ 13. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position of the proceedings before the International Court of Justice at The Hague between Great Britain and Albania; who has been in charge of the British case since the retirement of the Attorney-General; and if he anticipates an early conclusion.
§ Mr. MayhewThe opening addresses by counsel for both sides were concluded on 19th November. Since then the court has been hearing witnesses, after which it will hear final addresses of counsel on both sides. The Solicitor-General has been in charge of the British case since the Attorney-General left The Hague. It is anticipated that the oral hearings may end about 11th December. A further period must then be expected before the Court delivers its judgment.
§ Sir P. HannonWill His Majesty's Government do everything possible to expedite this business? Is it not disgraceful 1983 that we should be in this position at this moment vis-à-vis Albania after the crimes they have committed against us?
§ Mr. MayhewWe are doing everything we can to expedite the proceedings. When the case is over we shall consider whether the procedure cannot be reformed.