HC Deb 28 February 1966 vol 725 cc180-1W
Mr. Higgins

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination has been ratified by the United Kingdom or not; in the latter case, what are the reasons for the delay; and what steps must be taken to ensure its ratification in the near future.

Mr. Padley

The United Kingdom has not ratified this Convention which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 21st December, 1965. The question of possible United Kingdom ratification is now being studied. It is necessary to ensure that law and practice both in the United Kingdom and in the overseas territories are broadly in line with the terms of the Convention before it can be ratified.