Further to its press release SE5006/2001 on 10 December 2001, (a) whether it will outline a timetable for the creation of a Human Rights Co…

The Executive has decided in principle to establish a Scottish Human Rights Commission. No decision has yet been taken on the timetable or on the detailed structure and membership of such a body. I intend to put forward proposals on those issues for consultation during the course of this year. No decision has been taken on the location of a commission.The Executive is clear that a Scottish Human Rights Commission should not in any way cut across the remits of the existing statutory equality bodies. The detailed proposals for the establishment of the commission will be drawn up with that firmly in mind. However, we anticipate that a Scottish commission will want to work closely with these bodies on matters of mutual interest, and we envisage that the new body, once established, will wish to draw up a memorandum of understanding to facilitate this working relationship.