asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of any protest that has been made through the United Nations at the wave of executions being carried out by the new regime in Iran.

Some recent developments in Iran and in particular the executions which are still continuing give me cause for serious concern. On 2 May, in a debate on human rights at the United Nations Economic and Social Council, the French delegate—speaking in the name of the nine member-states of the European Community—expressed the deep concern felt by public opinion at the recent executions in various countries which in some cases had been carried out without the implementation of the due process of the law.

I am considering what other steps we could take either directly or otherwise to make our views known to the Iranian authorities in the hope that they may be prevailed on to cease these executions and exercise clemency towards those concerned. The Deputy will appreciate, I am sure, that in such cases it may be preferable and in general more effective to seek to convey such views privately rather than by way of public protest in international fora.

Was Iran mentioned specifically in the resolution to which the Minister has referred?

Yes.

Have we signed that resolution?

It has been addressed on behalf of the nine member states by the present Presidency, which is held by France.

Is it the position that the member states, which of course include ourselves, are adopting a cowardly attitude in this instance?

That is not so. Perhaps the Deputy would take note of what I said towards the end of my reply—that often it is very much more effective to convey views privately rather than by way of public protest. If the Deputy would like to speak with me privately I might be able to convey more to him.

My concern is that the matter may be swept under the carpet. I would much prefer a public protest than a private consultation.

The Deputy should consider which might be the more effective.

I am sure that a public denouncement would be the more effective.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.