§ Mr. Peter Bruinvelsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has any plans to amend the statutory duties of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PriorI greatly value the independent role of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights and shall continue to look to it for advice on human rights matters generally, while taking account of the responsibilities of other statutory bodies. I support the commission in its efforts to secure greater recognition in Northern Ireland of the concept of human rights; and I welcome the contacts which it has established with other human rights bodies at home and abroad. It is right for the commission to concern itself with the broad range of human rights issues in Northern Ireland. I recognise that there is a strong case for amending the commission's statutory remit, at a suitable legislative opportunity, more clearly to reflect the commission's broad concern.