asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to sign and ratify Protocol 7 to the European Convention on Human Rights in accordance with the Written Statement by Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 22 July 2004 (WS 43). [HL4357]

The United Kingdom will be in a position to accede to Protocol 7 when legislation to abolish or equalise three rules of matrimonial property law has been passed. We await a suitable legislative vehicle.