HL Deb 10 January 1994 vol 551 cc4-5WA
Lord Spens

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the light of the press announcement of the European Commission of Human Rights of 7 December 1993, similar "friendly settlements" are to be negotiated with Mr. Gerald Ronson, Mr. Jack Lyons and Mr. Anthony Parnes and any other defendants in criminal trials where Department of Trade and Industry inspectors' transcripts have been used as evidence.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Friendly settlements are considered by Her Majesty's Government in those cases in which an application has been brought before the European Commission of Human Rights and has been declared admissible. They would not be considered in any case where an application has not been brought.

Lord Spens

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What their understanding is of the phrase "friendly settlement", used in the press announcement of 7 December 1993, issued by the Secretary to the European Commission of Human Rights in respect of Application No. 19187191—Ernest Saunders v the United Kingdom.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

We understand the phrase "friendly settlement" to mean resolving the applicant's complaints amicably. The European Commission of Human Rights routinely place themselves at the disposal of the parties after an oral hearing, to see if it is possible to secure a friendly settlement in a case which has been declared admissible.