§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress made regarding preparation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, with special reference to its(a) contents (b) justiciability and (c) inclusion in the Treaty of Rome. [119816]
§ Mr. VazThe Charter Convention drafting body has now met seven times. There has been a first discussion of draft articles covering civil and political rights, citizens' rights (ie rights from the EU and EC Treaties), and some economic and social rights. Some civil and political rights have been discussed a second time. The next meeting on 27-28 April will include hearings of non-governmental organisations and continue the discussion of economic and social rights. The question of justiciability will depend upon the Charter's legal status which, together with inclusion in the Treaties, are beyond the Convention's mandate and will be considered by heads of government at the Nice European Council in December.