§ 30. Mr. Dribergasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will propose in the United Nations a revision of the practice under which the Human Rights Commission does not discuss or take action regarding alleged violations of human rights in particular countries, since this practice tends to diminish the usefulness of the Commission by preventing it from taking cognisance of all alleged violations wherever they occur.
§ Mr. HeathNo, Sir. The present practice has obtained since 1947 when the Human Rights Commission recognised that it had no power to take any action in regard to complaints concerning human rights in particular countries. This principle was approved by the Economic and Social Council at the time and has, as recently as 1959, been restated by the Commission and reapproved unanimously by the Council.
§ Mr. DribergBut is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that only a few years ago the Commission on Human Rights began a new programme described as a "programme of concrete action"? How can any concrete action be taken usefully if the Commission cannot even discuss alleged violations of human rights, such as allegations of French atrocities in Algeria or whatever they may be?
§ Mr. HeathThere is quite a profitable sphere open for the Commission's work. 868 That is a matter for the Commission, which less than a year ago decided that it did not want to make this change.