Public Processions (Hansard, 25 July 2000)

§ Mr. Thompson
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what consultations he has had with the Parades Commission about bringing into force parts of the Human Rights Act 1998 before 2 October for the purposes of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998; and what advice he received; [132579]
(2) what consultations he has had with the Human Rights Commission about bringing into force parts of the Human Rights Act 1998 before 2 October for the purposes of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998; and what advice he has received on this matter. [132432]

§ Mr. Ingram
The Government consulted widely with a number of individuals and organisations, including the Parades Commission and the Human Rights Commission, on this issue. It is not our practice to publish individual views unless the organisation concerned does so. In the consultation process, there was a wide range of views on the early incorporation, but a unanimous view that incorporation in October would have a positive effect.

§ Mr. Thompson
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations he has had with the Royal Ulster Constabulary about bringing into force parts of the Human Rights Act 1998 before 2 October for the purposes of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998; and what advice he received. [132580]

§ Mr. Ingram
Although this issue was discussed with the police, it was determined that whatever decision was made, it would not have any implications on their current position on the policing of parades.

§ Mr. Thompson
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to bring parts of the Human Rights Act 1998 into force before 2 October for the purposes of the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act 1998. [132433]

§ Mr. Ingram
During consultation, the Government received mixed views on the issue of early incorporation of the Human Rights Act. The Act will, however, come into force in October as planned.