HL Deb 22 April 1964 vol 257 cc747-8

2.36 p.m.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have now completed their consultations with Commonwealth Governments about the repeal of the Fugitive Offenders Act and its replacement by extradition agreements that will allow political offenders from Commonwealth countries asylum in this country; and, if so, what conclusions they have reached.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS AND FOR THE COLONIES (THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE)

No, my Lords. The review of the Act is still proceeding, and we cannot reach any conclusions on the subject until our consultations with other members of the Commonwealth have been completed.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, is the noble Duke aware that this is an extremely urgent matter, and that a year has already elapsed without any effective action from the Government? Is he further aware that, if another case like the case of Chief Enahoro were to arise before these consultations have been completed and the necessary action taken, it would undoubtedly do a great deal of harm to Commonwealth relations?

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE

My Lords, I am aware of both the noble Earl's points, but I would say that this is not only an urgent but also a complicated matter. It is far better to go thoroughly into this very complex matter and into Commonwealth consultations with regard to it than to come to some quick decision which might easily lead us into grave difficulties in the future.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

Does the noble Duke agree that, if the consultations have been begun but not completed, the appropriate time for their completion, unless it is done earlier, would be during the Prime Ministers' Conference in July?

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE

My Lords, it is not, of course, for me to comment on what agenda there might be at the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference, but should the Commonwealth Prime Ministers see fit to discuss this, if it has not been resolved by that time, that would be a matter for them.

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