§ Q2. Mr. Higginsasked the Prime Minister what decision has now been reached by Her Majesty's Government regarding the recognition of the competence of the European Commission on Human Rights to receive petitions within the terms of Article 25 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms; and if he will now declare, pursuant to Article 46 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, that he recognises as compulsory, ipso facto and without special agreement, the jurisdiction of the European Court of Human Rights on all matters concerning the interpretation and application of the Convention.
§ The Prime MinisterI have as yet nothing to add to the Answer I gave to a similar Question by the hon. Member on 9th February last.
§ Mr. HigginsIs the Prime Minister aware that this is a very disappointing Answer for those who are concerned with human rights and who thought that the Government might take an early decision on the matter? Surely, this country has nothing to lose in granting the right of individual petition to an impartial judicial body. Will the right hon. Gentleman give us some idea of the reasons that are giving him difficulty in reaching a decision adhering to these Articles?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that the hon. Gentleman will realise that this is a matter of supreme importance, and extremely complex. I share his disappointment that within six months we have not been able to reach a conclusion. I am a little disappointed. But the Convention was, in fact, signed and ratified in 1951, and, in view of the urgency, I think we might have expected a little more progress and speed a little earlier than the last six months.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamWill the right hon. Gentleman take care before taking any step that might mean that decisions of our own courts of appeal are over-ridden by a European court of first instance?
§ The Prime MinisterI always take very great care in all these matters of human rights that are so dear to the hon. Gentleman.