NORTHERN IRELAND: ADVISORY COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

HL Deb 16 November 1976 vol 377 cc1273-4WA

Lord BROCKWAY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When a report can be expected from the Commission, of which the late Lord Feather was Chairman, instructed to inquire into the desirability of a Civil Rights Act for Northern Ireland.

Lord MELCHETT

Lord Feather announced on 16th May 1975 that the Standing Ireland Constitution Act 1973, had decided to embark on a study of the extent to which existing legislation provided sufficient protection for human rights in Northern Ireland, including whether a Bill to Rights was needed. This study, which necessarily involves the gathering of evidence from many interested groups and invididuals, is continuing. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State looks forward to receiving the Commission's report on the results of its study next year.