HC Deb 11 July 2001 vol 371 cc523-4W
Andrew Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to bring forward legislation relating to overseas territories. [3040]

Mr. Bradshaw

The British Overseas Territories Bill, which will grant British citizenship to all British Dependent Territories Citizens in qualifying territories, was given a first reading in the House of Lords on 21 June and published on 22 June. A second reading was given on 10 July and the committee stage is scheduled for 24 July. Copies of the Bill, with explanatory notes, are available from the Vote Office and Printed Paper Office.

Andrew Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what Orders in Council relating to the law of overseas territories he plans to bring forward during 2001; and if he will specify the purpose and overseas territory concerned in each case. [3042]

Mr. Bradshaw

Orders in Council are used to give effect to various treaties, convention, UN sanctions and other similar matters where the capacity to pass local legislation is inadequate. A list of anticipated Orders in Council relating to the laws of the Overseas Territories is being placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Other Orders in Council may arise during the course of the year.

Andrew Mackinlay

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if all overseas territories are compliant with(a) the European Convention on Human Rights and (b) other human rights standards to which the United Kingdom is committed to by (i) treaty or convention and (ii) policy. [3041]

Mr. Bradshaw

HMG's policy is that those territories which choose to remain British should abide by the same standards of human rights that British people expect of their own Government. These are enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights and the six core UN human rights instruments. The ECHR and most of the UN Conventions have been extended to all the territories. We are working with the territories to complete the process of extending the outstanding UN Conventions. The territories to which these conventions have already been extended are in large measure compliant.