§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
How the World Trade Organisation's technical experts are appointed and by whom; how many there are; and whether peer review is in place to examine their adjudications. [HL2004]
Lord Simon oft HighburyMembers of WTO panels are selected from a rota of panellists nominated by WTO member governments. Normally three will be selected to sit on each panel and, unless the parties to the dispute agree otherwise, panellists are not drawn from countries which are parties to the dispute. Panellists are also selected with a view to ensuring their independence, diversity of background and a wide spectrum of experience. There are seven appellate body members who were appointed following a formal selection process in December 1995. WTO panel rulings can be appealed to the appellate body; appellate body rulings cannot be appealed. Both panel and appellate body rulings must be adopted by the dispute settlement body. Separately, WTO panels can call independent experts in specific cases where they consider it necessary and appropriate, for example where scientific evidence may be disputed. In all cases, it is open to the plaintiff or defendant to submit advice from relevant experts as part of their written submissions.