asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Statement by the Lord Falconer of Thoroton on 22 July (WS 43), what was the reason for the delay in publishing the outcome of their review of international human rights instruments from December 2003 when final points were resolved at a meeting of departmental representatives.

The review of international human rights instruments had implications for a number of government departments and agencies. A meeting of officials from those departments with an interest in the review took place on 4 December 2003. At the meeting, officials agreed to put a range of options to Ministers. These options had to be carefully considered by the Ministers involved and, following ministerial consultation, the final outcomes of the review were agreed and published in July.