Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill

HC Deb 01 March 1999 vol 326 cc595-6W

Dr. Moonie

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill conforms with all the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998, with particular reference to article 9, Clause 11 concerning Christian conscience; and if he will make a statement. [73535]

Mr. Timms

Under section 19 of the Human Rights Act 1998, the Minister in charge of a Bill in the House must make a statement about the Bill's compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights.

Accordingly, before the introduction of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State signed the following statement, which is printed on the front page of the Bill: In my view, the provisions of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Bill are compatible with the Convention rights.