HL Deb 31 October 2002 vol 640 cc41-2WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that the Commission for Racial Equality is under a duty to ensure that its policy is compatible with the policy pursued by the Secretary of State for the Home Department; if so, what is the source and scope of the duty; and what are the means by which it is imposed upon the chair and other members of the Commission. [HL6068]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Filkin)

The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) has a statutory duty to work towards the elimination of discrimination; to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups generally; and to keep under review the working of the Race Relations Act 1976 and submit proposals for amending it.

As a non-departmental public body (NDPB) the CRE operates at arms length from government. However, the policy and resource framework is agreed with Ministers who remain accountable to Parliament for the work and efficiency of the Commission.