§ 16. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has now received for a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland which would embrace the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David HowellI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to Questions from the hon. Members for Paddington, North (Mr. Latham) and St. Pancras, North (Mr. Stallard) on 6th July.—[Vol. 840. c. 738–740.]
§ Mr. JuddWhile thanking the hon. Member for that reply, may I ask him to assure the House that serious consideration will be given to this possibility in future discussions, since legislation of this kind might do a great deal to reassure the minority?
§ Mr. HowellSerious consideration will be given to these things because these are serious issues, as I recognise. As my right hon. Friend suggested, some form of guarantee of this kind may well form part of the constitutional future as the political talks towards a settlement progress.
§ Rev. Ian PaisleyWill the hon. Gentleman keep in mind that the majority of people in Northern Ireland are not against a guaranteed Bill of Rights for the whole Community? Will he keep in mind that all right-thinking Protestant people believe in the fullest possible civil and religious liberty and that a proper Bill of Rights would be welcomed by all right-thinking people in the community?
§ Mr. HowellI will certainly keep in mind what I think the House will recognise are very wise and encouraging words