HL Deb 20 December 1995 vol 567 cc151-2WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Answer by Baroness Chalker of Wallasey on 28 November 1995 (HL Deb, col. WA 38), whether in determining which treaties not requiring legislation are of sufficient importance that a debate on a Motion be held, they consider themselves bound by the statement made in 1924 by the then Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ponsonby, that "if there is a formal demand for discussion forwarded through the usual channels from the Opposition or any other party, time will be found for the discussion of the Treaty in question" (HC Deb, 1 April 1924, col. 2003).

Lord Chesham

The Government do not consider themselves bound by a statement made over 70 years ago by a member of an Administration of a different political persuasion. However, in responding to requests for debate, the Government have regard to a wide range of considerations and give due weight to representations made by the Opposition and others.