HC Deb 01 February 1954 vol 523 cc5-6W
53. Mr. Elwyn Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for how long the International Law Commission has been engaged on the work of codifying international law, and, in particular, on the preparation of a draft code of offences against the peace and security of mankind; and when it expects to complete its task.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The International Law Commission held its first Session in 1949, in which year it started work on the Draft Code to which the hon. and learned Members refers. I understand that the Commission propose to carry their work on this Code further at the Session which they are due to hold in May this year. As regards their task of codifying international law in general, I do not think that the members of the Commission have ever expected to complete their labours within any specified period.