§ 2. Mr. Peter Archerasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will appoint a departmental committee of officials with responsibility for ensuring that domestic legislation proposed by the Government conforms with international human rights' obligations.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Joseph Godber)Our international obligations are, of course, always taken into account when proposals for legislation are being considered. Existing arrangements provide for inter-departmental consultation as and when required, and I see no need to alter them.
§ Mr. ArcherIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Questions on this subject addressed to the Prime Minister are referred to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs? Is he happy with the responsibility for domestic legislation? Would he not be assisted by some such review body as proposed in the Private Member's Bill of the hon. and learned Member for Dulwich (Mr. S. C. Silkin)?
§ Mr. GodberI should have thought that the present arrangements were sufficiently flexible to enable the objects which the hon. Member has in mind to be carried out. If any difficulty arises, I shall bear in mind the suggestion, but at present I see no difficulties.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that existing arrangements will continue to include Ministerial arrangements to check domestic legislation against international obligation?
§ Mr. GodberThe normal practice in drafting legislation is for interdepartmental consultation to take place at official level, but if any particular problem arose, it would certainly be referred to Ministers.