Bill of Rights

HC Deb 25 January 1977 vol 924 cc522-3W

Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will now publish a consultative document on a Bill of Rights;

(2) whether he will seek to give statutory authority to the European Convention on Human Rights; and if he will list the statutes which would require to be amended to this end.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

My predecessor published a discussion document on this subject last June. As he indicated in the foreword, the Government believe that the question of legislation on human rights calls for further study and discussion before conclusions are reached. Chapter III of the document examines in some detail the likely consequences of incorporating the European Convention on Human Rights, including the effect on existing legislation.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give an assurance that he has no intention of legislating for a Bill of Rights.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

As my predecessor indicated in a discussion document on the subject published last June, the Government believe that the question of legislation on human rights calls for further study and discussion before conclusions are reached.

Mr. Arnold

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from outside bodies with regard to a Bill of Rights.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Since the Government published in June 1976 a discussion document on the question of legislation to protect human rights, the only bodies which have made representations on this subject direct to the Home Office are the Beckenham and the Lincoln constituency Labour Parties, the Lincoln and District Trade Union Council and the Leasehold Reform Committee. The purpose of the document was to stimulate public discussion, and the Government are taking careful note of views expressed in Parliament, in public speeches, and in pamphlets and other publications.