HL Deb 21 February 2005 vol 669 cc176-7WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their estimate of the public expenditure that is likely to be incurred during the next two years as a result of their acceptance of the individual right of petition under the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. [HL1090]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

The UK Government are confident that their legislation on sex discrimination and wider provisions on gender equality broadly cover the rights and freedoms within the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The UK's fifth periodic CEDAW report (June 2003) illustrates the various measures the UK Government have taken to implement CEDAW. Following this, the UK Government do not expect a significant amount of public expenditure to be incurred during the next two years as a result of their acceptance of the individual right of petition under the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their estimate of the total number of complaints that are likely to be incurred during the next two years as a result of their acceptance of the individual right of petition under the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. [HL1091]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

The UK Government are confident that their legislation on sex discrimination and wider provisions on gender equality broadly cover the rights and freedoms within the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Following this, and from the experience of other countries (during the period 2000–02 no cases were brought in New Zealand), the Government do not expect a significant number of complaints to be incurred during the next two years as a result of accepting the individual right of petition under the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the likely practical benefits for women in the United Kingdom resulting from the acceptance of the individual right of petition under the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. [HL1092]

Lord Sainsbury of Turville

Following the Government's decision to sign the optional protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), women in the UK may now petition the UN committee on issues either not covered by domestic legislation or when they have no other international right of appeal available. The practical benefits resulting from the acceptance of the individual right of petition will be monitored on a case by case basis.