HL Deb 12 March 1985 vol 461 c159WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they will initiate constitutional discussions between all parties concerning a Bill of Rights for the United Kingdom, in accordance with undertakings given during the discussion of Lord Wade's Bill.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Elton)

The Government support the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights, to which they are a party. The question of incorporating such principles into United Kingdom law raises important constitutional issues which would need to be fully explored between the political parties. The Government do not judge that the present time is ripe for further initiatives on their part additional to those taken during the passage of the Bill to which the noble Lord refers: but they keep, and will continue to keep, closely in touch with public debate on this matter.