To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what the (a) timetable and (b) remit of the Equality and Human Rights Commission's inquiry into human rights in Britain is. (259530)

The Equality and Human Rights Commission launched its Human Rights Inquiry in April 2008 and is due to report in spring 2009. The terms of reference are:

To assess progress towards the effectiveness and enjoyment of a culture of respect for human rights in Great Britain

To consider how the current human rights framework might best be developed and used to realise the vision of a society built on fairness and respect, confident in all aspects of its diversity.

The inquiry, which covers England and Wales, will investigate:

Public attitudes to the Human Rights Act

How the Human Rights Act is working

How it is used by public authorities and other organisations where appropriate.

Further information about the inquiry including the terms of reference can be found on the Commission's website:

http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/proiects/humanrightsinquiry/Pages/HumanrightsInquiry.aspxx