§ Mrs. Ann CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the implementation of the Human Rights Act 1998. [137620]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Human Rights Act 1998 received Royal Assent on 9 November 1998 and came into full effect on 2 October 2000. During that interval Whitehall Departments reviewed legislation, policy and procedures in the light of the Act's provisions and a range of training and awareness raising initiatives were undertaken for the judiciary and public authorities. The Human Rights Task Force played an important part in helping public authorities prepare for the Human Rights Act, issuing guidance and publicity materials and raising awareness of the Act among the general public. Financial provision has been made for dealing with challenges based on the Convention rights, especially in the initial period of operation.