HL Deb 29 April 1999 vol 600 cc64-5WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What factors they are taking into account in deciding when to bring fully into force the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998. [HL2091]

Lord Burlison

The Government are taking all relevant factors into account. In particular, a great deal of training and preparation is required before the Act can be brought into force.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether factors which they are taking into account in deciding when to bring the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 fully into force include the potential liability of government departments and other public authorities to pay damages for breaches of convention rights occurring once the Act is fully in force. [HL2093]

Lord Burlison

The Government are taking all relevant factors into account.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there are any United Kingdom laws or practices which they consider need to be changed before they bring the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 fully into force; and, if so, whether they will identify such laws or practices. [HL2092]

Lord Burlison

Departments are reviewing their legislation and procedures for compatibility with the convention rights. Individual departments are responsible for initiating any necessary action should convention points be identified. It is not possible at this stage to say what, if any, new legislation Parliament will be asked to consider.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they remain of the view, expressed when the Human Rights Bill 1998 was published, that, apart from an initial cost in training judges, magistrates and tribunal members to handle convention points, the other provisions of the Bill would have no significant financial effects. [HL2094]

Lord Burlison

The Government remain of the view expressed in the Explanatory and Financial Memorandum to the Human Rights Bill.