To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will publish their response to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission's advice on a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland of 10 December 2008 in sufficient time to enable appropriate legislation to be introduced within a year. [HL1720]

The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission produced around 200 pages of very detailed and wide-ranging advice to the Government. It proposed the creation of new statutory rights in a wide range of different fields. The Government are currently giving careful consideration to these substantial issues and intend to consult publicly.

The precise timing of the consultation has not yet been set, but is expected to be in the late spring.