§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have responded in any way to the draft Bill of Rights submitted by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; and whether they will publish any letter or letters sent to the Chief Commissioner. [HL2002]
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission published a consultation document on 4 September setting out its preliminary thinking on the scope for a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland. The Government look forward to receiving the commission's formal recommendations next year and will determine their response thereafter.
In the meantime, Des Browne MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Northern Ireland Office, has written to Brice Dickson, Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission on 22 November highlighting some general issues for consideration. A copy of this letter, which does not represent the final position of the Government, has been placed in the Library of the House.