HL Deb 07 June 1972 vol 331 cc311-2
LORD AVEBURY

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 what action they have taken following the recommendation of the European Human Rights Commission that a friendly settlement be reached in the case of the United Kingdom passport holders from East Africa.

BARONESS YOUNG

My Lords, the Commission is in the process of seeking a friendly settlement with the parties to the applications, and there has been no recommendation as such. I cannot say more since dealings between the Commission and the parties are confidential.

LORD AVEBURY

My Lords, perhaps the noble Baroness would like to remind the House how long it is since the Commission asked the British Government and the litigants to reach a friendly settlement. Does she recall that the hearing was on September 30? Does she further recall that in answer to an Unstarred Question on December 14, the noble Lord, Lord Windlesham, said that there was a carefully laid down procedure for these matters and that some progress had been made in passing through the various stages? Can the noble Baroness now say why there has been this disgraceful prevarication on the part of the British Government; whether they intend to make any offer whatsoever and, if not, why they do not tell the European Commission that they are not prepared to effect a settlement? Can she further say how many meetings have taken place with the European Commission since the noble Lord, Lord Windlesham, replied to me on December 14?

BARONESS YOUNG

My Lords, I feel that I cannot go into all the details. I can only add that the matter is currently with the Commission and it is for the Commission to decide upon the next step. As I have already said, the dealings between the Commission and the parties are confidential.

LORD AVEBURY

My Lords, if the noble Baroness is not prepared to say anything about dealings with the Commission could she at least say how many meetings have taken place with the officials since the debate on December 14?

BARONESS YOUNG

My Lords, I am afraid that that information is not available but I will ask my noble friend to write to the noble Lord on that matter.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, can the noble Baroness say whether there is likely to be an appeal from the Commission to the Vienna Court? Can she also say whether any agreement has now been reached with the Government of India by which a proportion of British Asians from Eastern Africa passing through India shall be allowed to come to this country?

BARONESS YOUNG

My Lords, the answer to the first part of the noble Lord's question is that this is a matter that would be considered after the present discussions have been concluded. In answer to his second point, I really think it is rather wide of the Question.