§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is their policy to support and assist British citizens living abroad with any application to the European Court of Human Rights against a foreign country; and, if not, why not. [HL363]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalGovernment officials are able to provide factual information about the European Convention on Human Rights and the Court to anyone considering pursuing an application, whether against a foreign government or Her Majesty's Government.
Beyond that there is no need for the Government to provide assistance to applicants, since the Council of Europe has its own effective system of legal aid for applicants to the court.
§ Lord Stoddart of Swindonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will examine the case of Mr Dick-Erickson, who has applied for a re-hearing before the European Court of Human Rights of the case of alleged medical manslaughter of his mother in a public hospital in Florence with a view to assisting him with his application. [HL364]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThe Council of Europe has its own effective system of legal aid for applicants to the European Court of Human Rights. Her Majesty's Government does not intercede in such cases. The court will decide on the merits of Mr Erickson's case.