§ Mr. MolyneauxTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has received the 18th report of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Patrick MayhewThe report, for the period 1 April 1992 to 31 March 1993, has been published today and copies have been laid before Parliament.
The commission has considered a wide range of matters during the period under review. These include the possibility of incorporating the European convention on human rights into domestic law, and a review of legislative procedures for Northern Ireland. The report also deals with emergency legislation and security policy, criminal justice issues, the RUC charter, race relations, disability, education, abortion law, and family and social matters.
I value the advice that the commission gives me on a wide range of human rights matters and I very much appreciate the commitment that the members have shown in undertaking such an extensive programme of work.
Copies of my response to the commission's 18th report and of the report itself have been placed in the Library.