§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of extending the requirement for a certificate of compatibility with the Human Rights Act 1998 to private legislation. [107914]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Human Rights Act 1998 applies equally to Public and Private Bills, once they are enacted. Under the Human Rights Act 1998, Acts of Parliament will have to be interpreted compatibly with the Convention rights if possible. Where this is not possible, a higher court will be able to issue a declaration of incompatibility. This applies to all primary legislation as defined by the Human Rights Act, which includes private Acts, 1998.