HL Deb 29 November 1995 vol 567 cc44-5WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to amend Questions of Procedure for Ministers so as to bring it into line with the proposed Civil Service code, by providing that Ministers have a duty to comply with the law, including international law and treaty obligations.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Blatch)

Yes, when the document is next revised. I regret that my Answer of 8 November [WA 213] implied that the duty to comply with the law is at present expressly stated in Questions of Procedures for Ministers.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will amend Questions of Procedures for Ministers so as to provide that, when proposals are submitted to the Cabinet or a Ministerial Committee, sponsoring Ministers and, where appropriate, the Law Officers, report on the extent to which such proposals comply with the obligations and standards contained in the international human rights treaties to which the United Kingdom is party.

Baroness Blatch:

The guidance in Questions of Procedure for Ministers on putting proposals to Cabinet and Ministerial Committees draws attention to issues which should be covered if applicable, including legal implications and the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights. There are no plans to elaborate these requirements.