Written question asked by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Monday, 23 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 October 2000. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 26 October 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what was the cost to public funds of the production of the leaflet The Human Rights Act: An Introduction; how many leaflets have been produced; how are they to be distributed; and if he will make a statement. - Including figures.

Answer: Miss Widdecombe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to public funds of the production of the leaflet "The Human Rights Act: An Introduction"; how many leaflets have been produced; how are they to be distributed; and if he will make a statement. [134869] Mr. Mike O'Brien: Two million copies of the leaflet have been produced, at a cost of £88,120. Copies have been provided free of charge to a range of advice centres, libraries and similar organisations across the United Kingdom. Members of the public can also obtain a free copy by calling a telephone response line. Already, since 1 October there have been over 18,000 such additional requests. People want to know what fundamental rights and freedoms are safeguarded by the Human Rights Act and it is clearly right that the Government should ensure that they can be informed.

Secondary information