§ Q6. Mr. Roseasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of International and European Human Rights Conventions.
§ The Prime MinisterOur policy is to become party to as many of these instruments as we can, provided that in each case we are satisfied that participation will further the cause of human rights and that we shall be in a position to carry out the obligations which we should assume. We are, of course, already a party to many international human rights instruments, including the European Human Rights Convention. Our participation in other instruments is under active consideration.
§ Mr. RoseBut is my right hon. Friend aware that it is quite impossible for this country to sign these conventions in their entirety because of the current situation in Northern Ireland? In view of this, is not it hypocrisy for the Government quite rightly to impose sanctions because of the violation of human rights in Rhodesia and not to deal with this situation in our own backyard?
§ The Prime MinisterIn the present state of the world and speed of travel, I do not think that one can make a distinction between backyards and areas further afield for which we have a direct responsibility in the House and internationally.
435 As regards Northern Ireland, my hon. Friend will be aware that after the European Human Rights Convention was signed by this country in 1950 a notice of derogation from certain obligations of the Convention was lodged in 1957 in respect of the Special Powers Acts. I dealt with this in answer to a recent supplementary question, when I said that this is a matter we shall need to discuss very carefully with the Northern Ireland Government. I know the concern throughout the House about this, but the House will realise that under the European Convention—[Interruption.]—One wants to be fair to Northern Ireland in this matter, even if the hon. Gentleman does not. Under the Convention, a report on Northern Ireland must be furnished each year to Strasbourg.