§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what the terms of reference are for the quarterly plenary of human rights contacts in each department of Government; and if he will list the members of the body. [53772]
§ Mr. WillsThese are informal meetings of human rights contacts in all the main Whitehall Departments. Our aims are to
collect systematically examples of the impact of the Act on policy and practice in public authorities, in particular Government departments;to disseminate and promote good practice and raise awareness amongst public authorities; andto maintain and update a list of "notable cases" which illustrate important themes.There are currently 26 contacts, all of whom are invited to the quarterly meetings.