§ Mr. BerryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy in respect of advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice. [2942]
§ Sir Nicholas Bonsor[holding answer 28 November 1995]: The Government believe that advisory opinions by the International Court of Justice at the request of the UN or a specialised agency can serve a useful purpose when they resolve legal matters on which the requesting organisation requires guidance for its current activities. Advisory opinions of the court are given careful consideration. However, they are not binding either on the requesting organisation or on its member states. The Government's attitude to particular advisory opinions depends on the terms of the opinion and the circumstances of the case.