§ Q4. Mr. Archerasked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to initiate discussion in the United Nations, with a view to implementing the recommendations of the International Non-Governmental Organisations on Human Rights relating to the protection of political prisoners and to crimes against humanity, details of which have been sent to him.
§ The Prime MinisterThe report of the non-governmental Conference to which my hon. Friend refers has not yet been published, and it is too early to say whether any of its recommendations might appropriately be brought before the compentent United Nations bodies concerned with human rights.
§ Mr. ArcherSince this is "prisoner of conscience week", does my right hon. Friend at least agree that the major problem is not formulating human rights but implementing them? Will he seize the opportunity to announce that Her Majesty's Government are at least anxious to find some solution to the problem?
§ The Prime MinisterI know how deeply my hon. Friend has studied this question and of his very deep concern, which we all share. But it would be too early to try to establish a register and record office on crimes against humanity when there is not as yet agreement in the United Nations on the broader issue of international criminal jurisdiction and the General Assembly has not yet resumed discussion of the question. It is the hope of the Government to make progress, as my hon. Friend suggests.