Oral Answers to Questions

Steven Paterson Excerpts

Tuesday 1st November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Sir Oliver Heald]

The hon. Lady raises an important point. The number of cases being applied for and granted is rising, but there is also the question of ensuring that people who might need this funding are aware of it. That is an important part of the picture. Exceptional needs funding is a vital part of the picture and we will certainly keep it under review. If she wants to raise a detailed point with me about how it is operating, I would be more than happy either to discuss it with her or to enter into correspondence about it.

[Steven Paterson (Stirling) (SNP)]

5. What recent progress has been made on the Government’s plans to replace the Human Rights Act 1998.

[The Minister for Courts and Justice (Sir Oliver Heald)]

We will set out our proposals for a Bill of Rights in due course. We will consult fully on our proposals.

--- Later in debate ---

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

7. What recent progress has been made on the Government’s plans to replace the Human Rights Act 1998.

[Steven Paterson]

We are no closer to a timeframe, a plan or a common theme in regard to how the Human Rights Act is to be replaced. Earlier this year, Nils Muižnieks, the Council of Europe commissioner for human rights, said that the

“repeatedly delayed launch of the consultation process”

was

“creating an atmosphere of anxiety and concern in civil society and within the devolved administrations”.

Will the Minister tell us exactly when the consultation on this matter will be brought forward?