§ Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made in implementing the Agreement on Human Rights at Strasbourg in the Province.
§ Mr. MasonI assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the European Convention on Human Rights, which applies throughout the United Kingdom. Citizens of Northern Ireland enjoy the same statutory protection of their human rights as citizens in the rest of the United Kingdom. In addition, however, there is legislation specific to Northern Ireland making it unlawful to discriminate in employment on grounds of religious or political opinion. A Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights was established under the Northern Ireland (Constitution) Act 1973 and is currently considering what further protection for Human Rights beyond that provided by existing legislation is required in Northern Ireland. I have recently appointed Mr. Cyril Plant, CBE, to succeed the late Lord Feather as Chairman of the Commission.