§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many countries have in the last five years ignored the decisions of the United Nations, in addition to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics over the Hungarian situation and Egypt over Israel; and what proposals he will lay before the United Nations for the enforcement of compliance with United Nations decisions.
§ Mr. Ian HarveyThere have been no decisions by the Security Council during the last five years which have been ignored by any countries to whom they have been specifically directed, apart from the Israel question mentioned by my hon. Friend.
192WAlthough Article 18 (2) and (3) of the Charter refers to "decisions" of the General Assembly, these are not mandatory and only have the effect of recommendations. The Security Council alone is empowered to take decisions. Thus, although certain countries may not have accepted Assembly recommendations, it cannot be said that they have ignored United Nations "decisions". My hon. Friend will find that the reply given in another place by my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on 6th March, contains examples of failure to comply with recommendations on political questions adopted by the Security Council and in the General Assembly.
The answer to the second part of the Question is that Her Majesty's Government are watching this matter. They do not, however, at present contemplate laying any proposals before the United Nations.