§ 46. Mr. Leonardasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will raise at the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations the harassment and imprisonment of writers and civil rights supporters in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleNo, Sir. I do not think any useful purpose would be served if Her Majesty's Government were to take the initiative now in raising this matter at the Human Rights Commission.
§ Mr. LeonardWill the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and his right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary when they pay an official visit to the Soviet Union to express to the Soviet Government the abhorrence of the British people at the continued deprivation of human rights in the Soviet Union and the beneficial effect on Anglo-Soviet relations if persecutions such as the recent trial of Mr. Andrei Amalrik were to cease?
§ Mr. RoyleWe deplore violations of human rights wherever they occur. The Soviet authorities are already fully aware of our views on this subject. I will certainly pass the hon. Gentleman's comments to my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary.