HL Deb 16 December 1994 vol 559 cc147-8WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make the United Kingdom a member of the Partial Agreement establishing the Commission for Democracy through Law, so that (a) a British independent expert may be appointed as a member of the Commission; (b) the publication of information about the British parliamentary and legal systems may be included in the Commission's activities; and (c) the United Kingdom may participate in the Commission's work in the development of democracy in Europe; and, if not, why not.

Baroness Trumpington

We follow closely the work of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (ECDL) with a view to keeping open the possibility of future United Kingdom membership.

However, we remain unconvinced that the ECDL's functions have been clearly defined and that it does not duplicate work carried out already within the Council of Europe and by other organisations. Additionally, our contribution would have to be drawn from aid funds elsewhere and there is insufficient justification for such a move.

We aim to support the transition of central and eastern European countries to pluralist democracy and the market economy through the Know How Fund.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will identify (a) which 30 member states of the Council of Europe are full members of the Partial Agreement Establishing the (Venice) Commission for Democracy through Law; (b) which states are associate members; and (c) which states have observer status with the Commission, set up on 10 May 1990 with the goal of helping the countries of central and eastern Europe in the development of plural democracy.

Baroness Trumpington

A list of the 30 Member States of the Council of Europe which are full members of the Partial Agreement of the European Commission for Democracy through Law (often referred to as the Venice Commission), and the countries which have associate membership or observer status with the Commission, has been placed in the Library of the House.