HL Deb 17 May 1999 vol 601 cc4-5WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Burlison on 29 April (WA 64), whether one of the factors which they are taking into account in deciding when to bring the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998 fully into force is the public expenditure involved where government departments and other public authorities are held liable to pay damages for breaches of Convention rights occurring once the Act is fully in force. [HL2310]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Government are considering all relevant factors. Under the Human Rights Act 1998, the courts are required to take into account the principles applied by the European Court of Human Rights in relation to the award of compensation under Article 41 of the Convention. The level of damages awarded by that Court is generally modest and in some cases the Court considers that a judgment in favour of a victim is a sufficient remedy.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Burlison on 29 April (WA 64), whether any changes in United Kingdom laws have yet been identified as requiring new legislation to ensure compatibility with the Convention rights. [HL2311]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The position has not changed since Lord Burlison's Answer of 29 April (WA64).

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Burlison on 29 April (WA 64), what is their programme for training and preparation required in relation to the Human Rights Act 1998; and what is the timetable for this programme. [HL2312]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Each department is responsible for developing its own programme of training and preparation, tailored to its particular needs. It is not possible at this stage to say when this process will be complete.