City of London (Ward Elections) Bill (By Order) — Statement of compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights — 11 Jan 2001

As amended, considered.

Brought up, and read the First time.

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

Mr. Deputy Speaker:

With this it will be convenient to take amendment No. 11, in clause 2, page 1, line 19, at end insert--

Mr. Secretary Hoon has made the following statement under section 19(1)(a) of the Human Rights Act 1998:

In my view, the provisions of the Armed Forces Bill are compatible with the Convention rights.

The High Contracting Parties undertake to hold free elections at reasonable intervals by secret ballot, under conditions which will ensure the free expression of the opinion of the people in the choice of the legislature.

will ensure the free expression of the opinion of the people in the choice of the legislature.

On receipt of a request from the Secretary General of the Council of Europe any High Contracting Party shall furnish an explanation of the manner in which its internal law ensures the effective implementation of any of the provisions of the Convention.

Section 3 of the Act shall not have force until the Secretary of State has made a statement to the effect

be published in such manner as the Minister making it considers appropriate.

European Convention on Human Rights,

In the view of Barclays Bank PLC the provisions of the Barclays Group Reorganisation Bill are compatible with the Convention rights.

European Convention on Human Rights,

Jane L. Shirran, Senior General Counsel to National Australia Group Europe Limited, the promoter of the Bill, has made the following statement on behalf of the company:

In my view, the provisions of the National Australia Group Europe Bill are compatible with the Convention rights.

Section 19 of the Human Rights Act 1998 does not apply to Private Bills. However, like all legislation, any Act resulting from the passage of such a Bill can be judged in the courts, either in the UK or in Strasbourg, for its compatibility with the ECHR. In future when Private Bills are deposited, promoters will be asked to

undertake a full assessment of the compatibility of their proposals with the ECHR and to make a statement setting out their conclusion as to whether the Bill is compatible or not. A Minister in the Government department within whose policy responsibilities the subject matter of the Bill falls will make a formal statement saying that he believes that the promoters have undertaken a full assessment and that he does not (or, if necessary, that he does) see any need to dispute their conclusions.

The High Contracting parties undertake to hold free elections at reasonable intervals by secret ballot, under conditions which will ensure the free expression of the opinion of the people in the choice of the legislature.

The enjoyment of the rights and freedoms set forth in this convention shall be secured without discrimination on any ground such as sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, association with a national minority, property, birth or other status.

Thurrock, but I think we have covered the business encompassed by the proposal. I beg to move that the Question be now put.

Question put, That the Question be now put:--

The House proceeded to a Division.

The House having divided: Ayes 99, Noes 18.

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