HL Deb 20 July 1998 vol 592 c72WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether before the coming into force of the proposed Human Rights Act a Minister of the Crown in charge of a Bill in either House of Parliament will, before Second Reading of the Bill:

  1. (a) make a statement to the effect that in his or her view the provisions of the Bill are compatible with the rights in the European Convention on Human Rights; or
  2. (b) make a statement to the effect that although he or she is unable to make a statement of compatibility, the Government nevertheless wish the House to proceed with the Bill. [HL2709]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The duty to make such a statement is contained in Clause 19 of the Human Rights Bill [H.L.]. We have not yet decided when Clause 19 or the other provisions of the Bill should be brought into force.