HL Deb 21 May 1996 vol 572 cc90-1WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take steps to enable British courts to give effect to recommendations made by the President of the European Commission of Human Rights for interim measures pending the determination of complaints to the Commission; and, if not, why not?

The Lord Chancellor

Although such requests for interim measures have no legal force, the Government have complied with them where this was within their power. The Government can also inform a British court of such a request, and the court can if it thinks fit give effect to it, but in litigation between private parties this is ultimately a matter for the decision of the court.