§ 40. Mr. Elwyn Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when it is proposed to introduce legislation for the ratification of the Geneva Prisoner of War and other Conventions of 1949.
§ Mr. DeedesLegislation will be introduced as soon as time can be found for it, but its introduction during the present Session is unlikely.
§ Mr. Elwyn JonesWhy have steps not already been taken to ratify these Conventions, in view of the protection they may give to our Service men and of the fact that most Governments of the world have already ratified them? Does not the prolonged inaction of the Government betray a somewhat contemptuous attitude towards these important international instruments?
§ Mr. DeedesI would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 1st November, when he told the House that although certain legislation was required before the Conventions could be ratified, the Government accepted the Conventions and had every intention of applying their conditions should the occasion arise.
§ Mr. YoungerCan we have an assurance that not only are the Conventions accepted by Her Majesty's Government but, in the absence of ratification by us, we have the protection of other Powers as we would have if we had ratified? Or is there some doubt?
§ Mr. DeedesI think that point is covered by the statement made by the Prime Minister on 1st November that we have every intention to apply the Convention should the occasion arise.
§ Mr. YoungerI was thinking of the other parties. If we have not ratified, can we assume that all those who have ratified will apply the Convention in respect of our troops?
§ Mr. DeedesI think that is so. I should like to confirm it, and I will.