HC Deb 08 July 1968 vol 768 cc10-1
34. Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the United Kingdom now proposes to ratify the fourth protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr. Goronwy Roberts

Her Majesty's Government do not at present propose to ratify this protocol.

Mr. Hunt

Is it not a fact that this protocol has already been ratified by many countries, including Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Germany? What is the stumbling block for Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Roberts

Five countries have so far ratified this protocol, none of which has quite the same difficulties as we have over immigration.

Mr. Whitaker

Will my right hon. Friend do all in his power to obtain a United Nations Commissioner for Human Rights in Human Rights Year? Does he think that the chances of doing so are favourable?

Mr. Roberts

We have expressed our support for this proposal. Although I cannot confidently say so, we expect that this will be implemented some time this year.