HL Deb 14 March 1985 vol 461 cc229-31

3.16 p.m.

Lord Avebury

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

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what preparations they are making for the British contribution to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe experts' meeting on human rights and fundamental freedoms which starts on 7th May in Ottawa.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Young)

My Lords, the United Kingdom intends to play a full and active part in the Ottawa meeting, which we regard as an important element in the Helsinki process. We are engaged in close consultations with our partners and allies over the Western approach to the meeting. In our view, it should both consider the functioning of the human rights provisions in the Helsinki Final Act since these were first drawn up and look forward at possible new measures to advance the cause of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the 35 CSCE participating states. This approach reflects the mandate for the meeting agreed at Madrid in 1983.

Lord Avebury

My Lords, is the Minister aware that we all wish Mr. Gorbachev well in his difficult task and would also wish to extend to the Soviet people through him our best wishes for their future happiness and prosperity and for the restoration of good relations between the Soviet Union and the West? Does the noble Baroness also agree that, in preparation for the forthcoming meeting, one of the best things that the Soviet Union could do would be to declare an amnesty for those convicted of offences connected with the Helsinki monitoring group? In particular the freedom of Yelena Bonner, Andrey Sakharov, Anatoly Shcharansky and Yuri Orlov would do an immense amount to create a good atmosphere for the talks which will begin in Ottawa in April.

Baroness Young

My Lords, I note of course what the noble Lord, Lord Avebury, has had to say on this matter. As he will be aware, my right honourable friend the Prime Minister discussed human rights with Mr. Gorbachev as recently as December and he can be in no doubt of the views of Her Majesty's Government. At their meeting in Moscow on 13th March, my right honourable friend the Prime Minister drew attention to the importance of the Helsinki Final Act.

Lord Shinwell

My Lords, may we be assured that the Government appreciate the importance of this conference? It is even more important than the conference suggested for Geneva on the subject of a reduction in weapons. It is desirable, naturally, for every one of us that we get agreement on the control of weapons and avoid war, but the subject of personal freedom and human rights still remains, and it is a problem which is facing Russia as much as any other country in the world. May we be assured that our representatives understand the nature of the problem and will speak with authority and influence?

Baroness Young

Yes, my Lords, I can give the noble Lord that assurance.

Lord Brockway

My Lords, may I ask the noble Baroness whether non-governmental organisations will be able to give evidence to this conference?

Baroness Young

My Lords, on the question of giving evidence, I should have thought that one way the non-governmental organisations could make their views plain would be to get in touch with Members of Parliament or Members of your Lordships' House. The Government will of course be ready to take account of views that have been expressed.

Lord Avebury

My Lords, may I ask the noble Baroness, whether, in particular, she herself would be willing to hear representations from the groups concerned with religious freedom in the USSR and the anti-Semitism which has grown in that country over recent years in particular? Also may I ask whether Her Majesty's Government have it in mind to suggest to the Soviet Union that religious freedom is of paramount importance and that those who wish for religious reasons to emigrate from the USSR should be permitted to do so?

Baroness Young

My Lords, I think I have already made clear the importance that the Government attach to the Helsinki process and the seriousness with which we are taking this new conference. On the question of individual cases which are brought to our attention, I am sure the House will understand that I cannot give a commitment in advance about particular cases, but of course we shall have them very much in mind when representations are made.