HL Deb 02 May 1974 vol 351 cc286-8WA
LORD JANNER

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have denounced the General Act of September 26, 1928, for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes under which the United Kingdom accepted the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice subject to certain reservations; and, if so, whether this implies any view on the part of the United Kingdom as to the continuing validity of the Act.

LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS

On February 6, 1974, Her Majesty's Government sent to the Secretary-General of the United Nations a notification denouncing the General Act of 1928 in so far as it may be regarded as still in force. This notification was expressly stated to be without prejudice to the views of the United Kingdom on the question of the continued force of the General Act, and it does not prejudge in any way the question whether or not the General Act continues in force. That question is sub judice before the International Court of Justice. The United Kingdom's acceptance of the compulsory jurisdiction of the Court under Article 36(2) of the Court's Statute is not affected.

House adjourned at eighteen minutes before eight o'clock.