HC Deb 15 July 1957 vol 573 c88W
82. Mr. F. M. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Great Britain is not represented on the committee of experts of the Council of Europe appointed to consider the application of a uniform system of compulsory motor insurance within a European convention.

Mr. Ian Harvey

The Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe recommended that the Committee of Expertsbe set up at least among those States which have not yet adopted compulsory motor insurance and those which are prepared to harmonise their laws in this subject. As a satisfactory system of compulsory motor insurance is already in force in the United Kingdom, it was decided that no useful purpose would be served by nominating a representative of the United Kingdom to participate in the work of the Committee of Experts.

83. Mr. F. M. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Great Britain is not represented on the Council of Europe Committee on mutual assistance in criminal proceedings appointed by the Committee of Ministers last year.

Mr. Ian Harvey

Her Majesty's Government have taken the view that because of the great differences between the systems of criminal law and procedure in the United Kingdom and on the Continent no useful purpose could be served in taking part in discussions the purpose of which is to draw up general rules universally applicable.