§ Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason the United Kingdom has not ratified the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights enabling individual petition to the Human Rights Committee. [40364]
§ Mr. Mike O'Brien[holding answer 30 April 1998]The Government announced on 3 July 1997 that they intended to review the United Kingdom's position under various international human rights instruments, including whether to accept the right of individuals to submit complaints to the United Nations Human Rights Committee under the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The review is in progress and the outcome will be announced when conclusions have been reached.
§ Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason the United Kingdom has not ratified Protocol 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. [40368]
§ Mr. Mike O'Brien[holding answer 30 April 1998]Protocol 9 has been superseded by Protocol 11, which establishes the new permanent Court of Human Rights. The United Kingdom has ratified Protocol 11 and it will come into force on 1 November 1998.