§ Mr. BrandrethTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has received the 20th report of the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights, and if he will make a statement. [32244]
§ Sir Patrick MayhewThe report for the period 1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995 has been published today and copies have been laid before Parliament.
The Commission has considered a range of important matters during the period under review. These include questions relating to the changing political circumstances following the ceasefire, notably the future of policing and possible changes in emergency legislation. The Commission also commented on the application of international standards for the protection of human rights.
I would also like to thank the commission for its extensive report on disability in Northern Ireland, which was brought to the attention of Parliament in the form of Command Paper 2740 in December 1994.
Copies of the commission's 20th report have been placed in the Library. Copies of my response to the report will be placed in the Library in due course.