HL Deb 19 January 1995 vol 560 c52WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in referring any matter to the Committee of Ministers in accordance with the Declaration on Compliance with Commitments accepted by member states of the Council of Europe adopted by the Council of Ministers on 10th November 1994, the Secretary-General will entertain and forward appropriate representations from non-governmental organisations.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Under the declaration to which the question refers, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may examine matters of concern relating to the implementation of commitments concerning democracy, human rights and the rule of law in any member state. These may be brought to its attention by, amongst others, the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe.

The Secretary-General is free to form his views based on information from whatever source he believes appropriate.