§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether Section 69(3)(b) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 permits the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to issue a statement criticising the United Kingdom Government in connection with the war in Iraq; whether they accept the view of the commission that the war in Iraq is a violation of international law; and whether public authorities are permitted to engage in such criticism. [HL2270]
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)Section 69(3)(b) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 states that the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission shall advise the Secretary of State of legislative and other measures which ought to be taken to protect human rights on such occasions as the commission thinks appropriate. The Government are satisfied that, in providing advice on this matter, the commission has not gone beyond its remit. The legal basis for war in Iraq was set out in the Attorney-General's Written Answer of 17 March, col.WA3. This remains the Government's view.
The Government always consider and value advice from public bodies, such as the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, whether it is supportive or critical.