Northern Ireland Arts Council (Hansard, 30 April 2003)

HL Deb 30 April 2003 vol 647 cc102-3WA 103WA

§ Lord Laird
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the appointment of the chairman of the Northern Ireland Arts Council has been postponed. [HL2410]

§ Lord Williams of Mostyn
Unavoidable delays in the process meant that Angela Smith, Minister with responsibility for Culture, Arts and Leisure, would have had to take decisions on appointments immediately before the possibility of devolution being restored. The view was taken that this appointment should, if possible, be made by a devolved Minister. The postponement was agreed with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Northern Ireland (OCPA NI).