HL Deb 05 May 1999 vol 600 c93WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, when they decided to introduce the Human Rights Bill in 1998, they took a decision at that time to delay bringing it into force until more than a year after Royal Assent. [HL2220]

Lord Burlison

The Government have always recognised that there would be a gap between the Human Rights Act receiving Royal Assent and implementation of its main provisions. This is because of the need for extensive preparations before the Act can be brought into force. The Government are committed to implementing the Act as soon as is feasible.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they informed Parliament or the public, before or during the passage through Parliament of the Human Rights Act 1998, that they intended to delay bringing its provisions fully into force for more than a year. [HL2178]

Lord Burlison

The Government made their position clear during the passage of the Human Rights Act. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs stated in another place on 21 October 1998 that implementation could not happen in the near future and a precise date for it could not be given. A similar point was made in a departmental news release on 9 November 1998.