asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the commitment by the Attorney General to give consideration to the call by Amnesty International for ratification first of the two international human rights covenants and optional protocol and the international convention for the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination; and if he will make a statement on the current position in the matter.
Written Answers. - Ratification of Covenants and Convention.
452.
I am aware that the Attorney General repeated the Government's commitment that it would consider the call to ratify the Covenants and the Racial Discrimination Convention. I am anxious to ensure that our domestic legislation enables us to comply fully with the terms of the Covenants and the Convention. The detailed work of examining the legislation which will be necessary is at present being carried out. Any delay in ratification which results from this detailed examination is regrettable but it is important that we amend our legislation so as to ensure our strict compliance with the provisions of the Covenants and the Convention.