§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they agree with the advice given by the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights in Northern Ireland that the difference in the law on racial discrimination as between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom cannot be justified in the light of the United Kingdom's international human rights obligations; and, if not, why not.
§ Baroness Denton of WakefieldThe Government's commitment to introduce race relations legislation in Northern Ireland was announced by the Secretary of State on 27th April 1995. A draft Proposal for a Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order in Council was published for public consultation on 16th July 1996.
§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they intend to introduce legislation in Northern Ireland along the lines of the Race Relations Act 1976, in accordance with the statement of intention made by the Secretary of State on 27th April 1995.
§ Baroness Denton of WakefieldA Proposal for a draft Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order in Council was issued for public consultation on 16th July 1996. The consultation period is due to end on 30th August 1996 and, taking account of comments received, it is hoped to present draft legislation before the end of the year.