European Convention on Human Rights: Impact on Ministerial Proposals

HL Deb 15 October 1996 vol 574 cc184-5WA

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will amend Questions of Procedure for Ministers so as to place a duty on Ministers, in submitting proposals to the Cabinet or Ministerial Committees, to draw attention to any aspects of those proposals which may be inconsistent with the obligations imposed upon the United Kingdom by the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Earl Howe

The Government do not regard it as necessary to make an amendment toQuestions of Procedure for Ministers for this purpose. Ministers putting proposals to Cabinet or a Ministerial Committee are already required by Questions of Procedure for Ministers to cover, where appropriate, the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights. In addition, where a department is considering legislation, it is required to ensure that its plans are compatible with the international human rights obligations of the United Kingdom, including the European Convention on Human Rights in particular.