§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the criteria for appointing public inquiry inspectors; and on what basis public inquiry inspectors can be sacked.
§ Mr. YeoBefore appointing an inspector to hold a public inquiry, the Department considers what issues the case is likely to raise and then selects an inspector with the appropriate expertise and experience.
Salaried inspectors are subject to the same disciplinary code as any other civil servant. Fee paid inspectors are subject to the rules set out in their contracts or terms of engagement. Public inquiries concerned with trunk road orders are conducted by independent individuals, not civil servants, and they are nominated specifically for each inquiry by the Lord Chancellor.