§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her answer of 26 February 1998,Official Report, columns 336–37, on what statutory authority she authorised to the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights to provide advice on issues beyond those set out in its statutory remit; and on what statutory basis it is permitted to expend moneys in such circumstances. [34615]
§ Marjorie MowlamGiven the broad terms in which it is cast, the advisory role which the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights has under section 20 of the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973 is wide. Successive Governments have acted on this basis, but have also sought advice on other issues from SACHR on an extra-statutory basis. All of SACHR's functions are paid for by moneys provided by Parliament from the Northern Ireland Office Administrative, Law, Order, Protective and Miscellaneous Services, Class XV Vote 1.