HL Deb 07 December 1998 vol 595 cc68-9WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, when they bring Section 19 of the Human Rights Act 1998 into force, they will at the same time bring Section 3 into force so as to ensure that the courts construe future Acts of Parliament so far as is possible in accordance with convention rights, having regard to any ministerial statements of compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights made under Section 19. [HL70]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

The main provisions of the Act, including Section 3, belong together and will be implemented as a whole. Section 19 is separate from the main provisions and for that reason we were able to bring it into force in advance of them on 24 November.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to bring into force Section 19 of the Human Rights Act 1998 as regards ministerial statements of compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights made under Section 19. [HL69]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

I refer the noble Lord to the reply I gave on 25 November(WA 1–2).