§ 8. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when it is proposed that this country will declare its acceptance of the clause about right of individual petition in the Council of Europe's Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
§ Mr. TurtonHer Majesty's Government do not propose to make such a declaration.
§ Mr. HyndCan the Minister give some explanation of why we took up that attitude? Would it not be a nice thing to give a lead to other countries in this matter?
§ Mr. TurtonHer Majesty's Government take the view that States are the proper subject of international law; and that if individuals are given rights under international treaties, effect should be given to these rights through the national law of the States parties. The matter was discussed in 1949 and 1950, when hon. Members on both sides of the House took that view.