§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what indications he has given to the authorities in the Isle of Man of the policy of Her Majesty's Government towards the steps to be taken by the Isle of Man to honour its obligations under the European convention of human rights in relation to the liberties of lesbians and gay men.
§ Mr. Peter LloydWe have made clear to the Isle of Man authorities that, in order to enable the United Kingdom to conform with its obligations under the convention, the island's legislation on homosexuality should be amended; that it is desirable that the Isle of Man should itself amend the legislation; but that, if necessary, the United Kingdom will legislate on the island's behalf.