HC Deb 25 July 1961 vol 645 cc29-30W
Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Lord Privy Seal what action Her Majesty's Government is taking to implement Recommendation 255 and Resolution 185 of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on the need of reactivating the Council of Europe.

Mr. Heath

Her Majesty's Government have taken note of Recommendation 255 which has been considered by the Committee of Ministers' Deputies. They are making every effort to give effect to its provisions and it is their intention to make appropriate use of the Committee of Ministers in order to promote European unity. Proposals for co-operation between the Committee of Ministers and the Assembly to achieve this objective are under consideration. Resolution 185 was not addressed to Governments.

Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Lord Privy Seal what action Her Majesty's Government is taking to implement Recommendation 264 of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe relating to the Committee of Ministers as a policy-making instrument of member Governments.

Mr. Heath

This Recommendation has been considered by the Committee of Deputies who have not so far been able to agree on any action to implement it.

Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Lord Privy Seal what action Her Majesty's Government is taking to implement Recommendation 265 of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, on relations with the newly independent countries.

Mr. Heath

In response to this Recommendation the Committee of Ministers adopted Resolution No. (61) 4 addressed to member Governments. The Committee of Deputies on 3rd July instructed the Secretary-General to prepare a plan for giving practical effect to the provisions of this resolution, and the plan is being prepared in consultation with member governments. Her Majesty's Government are participating in this work.

Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Lord Privy Seal what action Her Majesty's Government is taking to implement Recommendation 271 of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, on the question of an annual colloquy between the Consultative Assembly and the Committee of Ministers.

Mr. Heath

This Recommendation was considered by the Ministers' Deputies at their meeting on 3rd July. They were in agreement with the principle contained in the Recommendation and I understand that proposals to give effect to it will be communicated to the Assembly at its September session. Her Majesty's Government strongly support co-operation and consultation between the Committee of Ministers and the Consultative Assembly.