§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what stage has been reached in the completion and ratification of the European Convention on Terrorism.
§ Dr. OwenThe position remains as described in my answer to the hon. Member's Question on 22nd November, as follows: The European Convention on the Suppression of Terrorism was adopted by the Committee of Foreign Ministers of the Council of Europe meeting in Strasbourg at Deputy level on 10th November 1976. It will be opened for signature on 27th January 1977 during the 59th Session of the Committee of Foreign Ministers. Her Majesty's Government intend to sign the Convention on that day and subsequently to seek parliamentary approval for changes in our law to enable us to ratify it without reservation. The Convention will enter into force three months after it has been ratified by three member States.