HL Deb 06 June 1978 vol 392 c1214WA
Lord KILMARNOCK

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What degree of importance they attach to the signature and ratification by States applying to join the EEC of the European Convention on Human Rights; and whether they consider it desirable that applicant countries should be encouraged to make a declaration under Article 25 of the Convention.

Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOE

All Members of the Council of Europe, and hence all likely candidates for membership of the Community, adhere to the European Convention on Human Rights. Her Majesty's Government would like all Council members to accept Article 25; but the Convention itself makes this optional.