§ 3. Mr. Eric Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he proposes to take to promote the adoption by U.N.O. of the Draft Covenant of Human Rights, which will follow up the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and will be legally binding and enforceable in Member States.
§ Mr. BevinOur delegates have on many occasions emphasised the importance which His Majesty's Government attach to the Covenant of Human Rights. In particular, I would refer my hon. Friend to the words of our delegate in the debate at the recent session of the General Assembly:
We are therefore most anxious that the Commission on Human Rights and the Economic and Social Council should continue at all speed to draw up and complete these remaining parts of the International Bill of Human Rights.344 This statement accurately describes the policy of His Majesty's Government, and we shall continue as members of the Commission on Human Rights to cooperate fully in the preparation of the Covenant.
§ Mr. FletcherWhile thanking my right hon. Friend, may I ask him if, in view of the high hopes aroused by this proposal and some misunderstanding which surrounds it, he will continue to ensure that our delegates do everything possible to proceed with the Covenant, which will, at any rate, include provision for reference to an international court?
§ Mr. BevinI certainly will press on with it. I think the Covenant is much more important than a mere declaration.
§ Mr. GallacherMight I ask the Foreign Secretary whether he recognises as essential to human rights the right of the workers to throw the wealthy parasites off their backs?