HL Deb 30 July 1997 vol 582 cc66-7WA
Lord Ashbourne

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which organisations for the disabled in Great Britain have been consulted about the final wording of Clause 17(2) of the European Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine.

Baroness Jay of Paddington

The final wording of Clause 17(2) was a matter for the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. The Government are still considering the ethical and legal ramifications of the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, and have undertaken no formal consultation on the Convention.

Lord Ashbourne

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will take into account the view of the "VdK" (Verband der Kriegs und Wehrdienstopfer, Behinderten und Rentner Deutschland) organisation for the disabled in Germany, and that of the International League of Societies for Persons with Mental Handicaps, in deciding whether to sign the European Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine.

Baroness Jay of Paddington

The Government will take into account any views made known to it concerning signature of the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine.