HC Deb 18 December 1974 vol 883 cc1556-7
7. Mr. Michael Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement outlining the progress made towards ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966.

24. Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how soon he expects Great Britain will ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Policital Rights.

Mr. Ennals

We are actively considering the question of the ratification of both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Mr. Marshall

Is the Minister aware that it is over six years since we signed the original covenant? Is he further aware that with the evidence of increasing torture in the world at large, and indeed the whole problem of terrorism in the world, the one way in which this country could give a lead in many of these matters would be to move with some speed on this ratification? Does he accept that his letter to me of 25th November, in which he said that he was proceeding with all reasonable speed bearing in mind the complexity of the question, does not satisfy any of us?

Mr. Ennals

I am glad that it does not satisfy the hon. Gentleman. When I took my place at the Foreign Office I had to brush the dust off the covenant which, as he says, had been signed six years ago. There was not much evidence that it had been looked at in the previous four years until we came to office. But we are giving it serious consideration. It so happens that the British Government do not believe in ratifying covenants unless we are absolutely satisfied that we can stand by them.

Mr. Barnett

Why have so many years elapsed before the Government have seen fit to ratify this covenant? What has stood in the way? May we have a little more information about this?

Mr. Ennals

First, I cannot account for the four years that preceded our arrival in office in March—except for the dust. There has been a great deal of intensive activity in trying to deal with the many complex problems. I should be very happy to discuss this matter with my hon. Friend, but I cannot do so at Question Time because it would take too long. There are many problems relating to both law and practice in the United Kingdom and the dependent territories.

Mr. Russell Johnston

In considering this matter, are the Government giving consideration also to the optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which would allow individuals to make petition to the Human Rights Commission?

Mr. Ennals

We are considering that matter as well as both the two declarations.

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