EUROPEAN CONVENTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

HC Deb 22 June 1960 vol 625 c33W

30. Mr. Hale

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now consult with other Ministers concerned with a view to withdrawing the conditional clause in the British ratification of the Statute of the European Court of Human Rights which limits the hearing of claims from British Colonial Territories to questions raised by member Governments.

Mr. R. Allan

There is no conditional clause in the United Kingdom ratification of the European Convention of Human Rights. The position is that Her Majesty's Government have not made the optional and purely voluntary declaration provided for under Article 25, whereby petitions complaining of breach of the Convention by Her Majesty's Government can be accepted from individuals as well as from member Governments. Having made this clear I can say that my right hon. and learned Friend is prepared to consult with other Ministers concerned in this subject.