HC Deb 18 February 1981 vol 999 c264
7. Mr. Hardy

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he expects Turkey to continue to be represented in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Sir Ian Gilmour

It is for the Parliamentary Assembly to decide on the validity of the credentials of the parliamentary representatives of member countries of the Council of Europe.

Mr. Hardy

Does the Lord Privy Seal agree that the resumption of the character of democracy, and the future of full international involvement of Turkey, would be assisted by Turkey's early withdrawal rather than the inevitable expulsion that would otherwise occur? Expulsion would be justified, but difficulties might occur as a result.

Sir Ian Gilmour

It is not for me to judge that. However, with regard to the admittedly not very complicated matter of Greece, there was a long interval before expulsion. I understand that Turkey may withdraw from the Parliamentary Assembly, which is its right.

Mr. Jim Spicer

Will my right hon. Friend confirm that the stability of Turkey is vital to the Western Alliance, that the Council of Europe has already accepted that Turkey should remain in the Council of Europe and that the European Parliament has agreed that links should be maintained until democracy has been restored?

Sir Ian Gilmour

I agree with all that my hon. Friend has said. We welcome General Evren's announcement that a constituent assembly will be re-convened in the autumn. We note the virtual unanimity of Turkish opinion, which was reported in the delegation of the Council of Europe, but the process of restoring democracy cannot be pushed too fast.

Mr. Norman Atkinson

What confidence can the Lord Privy Seal have in the restoration of the assembly and democracy in Turkey, in the light of recent events, particularly when members of the Council of Europe, and others, who are in prison at the moment, as well as leading democrats and leading trade union officials, are also being denied their basic rights? How can the Lord Privy Seal say with confidence that there is to be a return to the conditions which he says are likely to come into effect in the autumn?

Sir Ian Gilmour

It is relevant to remember that on two previous occasions the Turkish Army have returned the Government to civilian democratic rule. We noted what General Evren has said and we have noted the character of the present Administration, which is not fairly portrayed by the hon. Member.