HL Deb 15 October 1996 vol 574 c177WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their procedures to ensure that the measures which they introduce are in accordance with the international human rights treaties to which the United Kingdom is party.

Baroness Chalker of Wallasey

Where legislation is contemplated, Government departments should ensure that it is compatible with the international human rights obligations of the United Kingdom, and the European Convention on Human Rights in particular. Every proposal for legislation should be accompanied by a statement that this has been done. Legal advice should be obtained in the first instance from departmental lawyers, who consult as necessary the Foreign and Commonwealth Office legal advisers.