HL Deb 09 November 2000 vol 618 cc165-6WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the annual expenditure of the European Court of Human Rights. [HL4347]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The estimated annual expenditure of the European Court of Human Rights in 2000 is euro 23,082,900.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the current case-load of the European Court of Human Rights, having regard to all registered applications. [HL4348]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

On 1 September 2000, the European Court of Human Rights had a total of 15,107 registered applications pending.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the budgeted expenditure for the European Court of Human Rights is sufficient to enable the Court to determine cases within a reasonable time. [HL4349]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

The Government recognises that, despite a recent increase in the Court's output, there is an imbalance between the number of applications registered and the number of cases determined by the Court. The Government are looking at ways of helping the Court to alleviate the situation in the short term, within the constraints of our overall policy on the Council of Europe budget. The Government are also following closely the Court's consideration of long-term solutions, including changes to procedures, and participate in the Court's consultations with member states of the Council of Europe.