§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the Government's policy is on establishing a Human Rights Commission in Britain. [33943]
§ Mr. WillsThe Government have not ruled out the possibility of a Human Rights Commission, but we would have to be clear about the role and functions of such a commission and its relationship to the several existing equality commissions. One option is a single, over-arching human rights commission, with a federal structure, to cover all these areas, which requires consideration alongside other proposals.
During the last Parliament, the Joint Committee on Human Rights issued a consultation document seeking views on what form a human rights commission might take. We will consider very carefully any recommendations the Joint Committee may make following this consultation.
§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) what the Government's policy is on monitoring the implementation of the Human Rights Act 1998; [33944]
(2) what resources have been made available to monitor the effects on public authorities of the Human Rights Act 1998. [33942]
§ Mr. WillsWe keep the impact of the Act under continuous review. My Department has a dedicated Human Rights Unit with legal support offering guidance and advice to Government Departments and public authorities, as well as to members of the public, about the Human Rights Act. However, this is not a matter for the Lord Chancellor's Department alone, and the Government have made it clear that all Departments must play their part in delivering information and monitoring, including for their public authorities.
Further details of my Department's activities in this area were contained in my recent memorandum to the Joint Committee on Human Rights, which my hon. Friend will have seen.