§ 45. Mr. Marlowasked the Attorney-General how many cases he has conducted before the European Court of Human Rights.
§ The Attorney-GeneralNone. I have conducted one case before the European Commission of Human Rights.
§ Mr. MarlowIs the court competent to judge cases concerning the discrimination in the level of grant available to individual adult students on the basis of something outside their control; in other words, parental income? If it were to pass judgment on this, has my right hon. and learned Friend any idea what that judgment would be?
§ The Attorney-GeneralAn application of that kind would not be within the convention.
§ Mr. EnglishWould it be a good idea to have a European attorney-general or public prosecutor who, through a modest amendment of the convention, could prosecute any intentional breach of human rights committed in any state party to that convention?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI note that suggestion with interest.
§ Mr. Christopher PriceDid the Attorney-General conduct the Government's defence in the case, which I believe is still before the European court, concerning telephone tapping? If the judgment goes against the Government, will he guarantee to put down an amendment to the Police and Criminal Evidence Bill currently before the House?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have learnt from hard experience that it is always unwise to answer hypothetical questions.