Joint Committee on Human Rights

HL Deb 25 May 2000 vol 613 c105WA

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When it is intended to set up a parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights in accordance with paragraphs 3.7–3.8 of the White Paper Rights Brought Home (Cm 3782, 1997). [HL2461]

The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Jay of Paddington)

In its Second Report (8 May 2000, HL Paper 62) the Liaison Committee noted the Government's proposal to establish, before the Human Rights Act 1998 comes into force in October this year, a Joint Committee on Human Rights. Preliminary consultations on setting up a Joint Committee on Human Rights are now taking place within the usual channels. The House will, of course, have the opportunity to debate the proposed Standing Orders in due course, and I will ensure that adequate notice of any such debate is given on the Order Paper. The Government will propose very broad terms of reference for the Committee.