Human Rights Bill

House of Commons, 17 February 1998.

Ian Bruce (Conservative, South Dorset)

On a point of order, Madam Speaker. Yesterday, the Home Secretary made a statement on the amendments that were to be made to the Human Rights Bill. Today, along with other hon. Members, I received a letter from an organisation called PressWise, which has as its patrons three Ministers—one at the Department of Social Security, one at the Department for Education and Employment and one at the Northern Ireland Office—decrying such amendments to the Bill. Have any of those three Departments asked to make a statement on control of the press, as it is most confusing when the Government give us one message and we get another in the post?

Betty Boothroyd (Speaker, West Bromwich West)

I have not been approached by any Minister seeking to make a statement today.