HC Deb 16 December 1968 vol 775 cc865-6
29. Mr. James Davidson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how he proposes that citizens of the United Kingdom and of the 21 dependent territories concerned are to have effective recourse under Article 13 of the Human Rights Convention, in view of the fact that facilities to invoke the relevant provision before the competent authority in this country or in the over seas territory are at present lacking.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

I am satisfied that as required by Article 13 effective remedies would in practice be available for any violation of the Convention which might be established.

Mr. Davidson

Will my right hon. Friend tell the House how this might be implemented, because there seems to be little point in being a signatory of the convention unless the relevant pro visions can be invoked?

Mr. Roberts

I do not agree that the relevant provisions cannot be invoked. I have still to be convinced that there is any need for the action for which I presume the Question asks.

Mr. Whitaker

Does the practice of detention without trial in Hong Kong com ply with the Human Rights Convention?

Mr. Roberts

There is another Question on the Order Paper relating to that territory.