HC Deb 25 March 1968 vol 761 c188W
Mr. Pounder

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with reference to Recommendation No. 485 on the ratification of Protocols Nos. 2, 3 and 4 to the European Convention on Human Rights which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 26th January, 1967, whether Her Majesty's Government are now prepared to ratify Protocol No. 4.

Mr. William Rodgers

Not at present.

Mr. Pounder

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to Recommendation No. 513 on the power to be conferred on the Assembly to refer alleged breaches of the Convention to the European Commission of Human Rights, which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 31st January, 1968; and if he will instruct the United Kingdom Permanent Representative in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to vote in favour of the proposals contained in this recommendation.

Mr. William Rodgers

Her Majesty's Government support the purpose behind this Recommendation and would welcome any action to extend the protection for Human Rights provided by the European Convention. But it is unlikely that this purpose could be achieved by the action suggested in this Recommendation.