HC Deb 26 November 1975 vol 901 cc199-200W
11. Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the implementing of the Helsinki Agreement on security and co-operation in Europe.

Mr. Hattersley

Her Majesty's Government have discussed with a number of other Governments matters relating to the implementation of the Final Act of the CSCE. We have done this bilaterally, for example, in our discussions with the Soviet authorities about better working conditions for journalists. But we are working, too, towards some practical and useful work at the Economic Commission for Europe and in UNESCO. We must not expect dramatic changes overnight, but Her Majesty's Government are, of course, keeping developments under close review.

12. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Common wealth Affairs whether, in view of the failure of the Soviet authorities to implement the final act of the Helsinki Agreement in respect of the free emigration of Jews, he will seek an earlier review of the effects of that Agreement than the two-year review at present provided for.

Mr. Hattersley

No. The terms of the Final Act provide for a first review meeting to be held in Belgrade in 1977. The date, duration, agenda and form of this meeting will be decided on at a preparatory meeting in Belgrade on 15th June 1977. It is not open to Her Majesty's Government to vary at this point a decision approved by consensus at Helsinki.

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