HL Deb 23 February 2000 vol 610 cc32-3WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they agree with the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the reform of the House of Lords that the House of Lords should establish a committee with a wide-ranging remit in relation to human rights. [HL991]

The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Jay of Paddington)

The Government have welcomed the report of the Royal Commission and have made it clear that they wish to give proper consideration to its recommendations. As the noble Lord is aware, prior to Lord Wakeham's report, the House had agreed to set up a Joint Committee on Human Rights.

We hope to proceed by consensus with other political parties on the next stage of reform and we aim to have an early opportunity to debate the issues.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they agree with the Royal Commission on the reform of the House of Lords that there should be a mechanism in the House of Lords for looking behind ministerial statements of compatibility under Section 19 of the Human Rights Act 1998 and checking that all the provisions of a Bill are compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. [HL990]

Baroness Jay of Paddington

The Government have welcomed the report of the Royal Commission and have made it clear that they wish to give proper consideration to its recommendations. As the noble Lord is aware, prior to Lord Wakeham's report, the House had agreed to set up a Joint Committee on Human Rights.

We hope to proceed by consensus with other political parties on the next stage of reform and we aim to have an early opportunity to debate the issues.