HC Deb 29 June 1955 vol 543 c394
40. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Her Majesty's Government have not yet ratified the Austrian State Treaty; and when it is proposed so to do.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. R. H. Turton) rose

——

Mr. Langford-Holt

Before my right hon. Friend replies, may I say, in view of the business before the House today, that I would not seek to press him for an answer to the second part of my Question.

Mr. Turton

Before a Treaty is submitted to Her Majesty for ratification it is essential to ensure that Her Majesty has the necessary powers to give effect to all the provisions of the Treaty. Certain provisions of the Austrian Treaty call for enabling legislation designed to ensure this, and the Second Reading of a Bill for this purpose is to be moved this afternoon. The Austrian State Treaty will be submitted to Her Majesty for ratification as soon as this Bill has received the Royal Assent.

Mr. Langford-Holt

May I take it from my right hon. Friend, therefore, that this delay has been occasioned by the advent of a General Election and the working of the administrative machine rather than by any change in policy?

Mr. Turton

There has been no delay in this case. We have proceeded as fast as we could to get the enabling Bill through.