§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Prime Minister (1) what factors underlay his decision to appoint Lord Birt as his adviser on crime; whom he consulted before making that appointment; and for what period the appointment has been made; [130317]
(2) if he will list the qualifications held by Lord Birt relevant to his role as adviser on crime; [130318]
443W(3) what remuneration was offered to Lord Birt in respect of his role as crime adviser; [130319]
(4) what areas Lord Birt will focus on in his role of adviser on crime; [130320]
(5) what (a) expenses, (b) transport arrangements and (c) office facilities Lord Birt will be eligible to claim in his role as adviser on crime; [130321]
(6) how he will ensure the accountability to Parliament of Lord Birt in his role as crime adviser; and to what categories of information in respect of crime Lord Birt will be allowed access. [130398]
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Prime Minister what considerations led him to appoint Lord Birt to investigate the reasons for the growth in crime; and if he will make a statement. [130305]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 13 June 2000]I have asked Lord Birt to take a long-term, strategic look at criminality and long-run social trends. We have a strategy in place for tackling crime and its causes which is starting to show results in key areas such as burglary and car crime. But crime remains a serious and deep-seated problem and we must continue to look to the future and be open to new ideas. Lord Birt brings a strategic outlook and an understanding of social trends gained from a long and distinguished career in broadcasting. He will be reporting to me and to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary as well as working closely with my right hon. and learned Friends the Lord Chancellor and the Attorney-General and they will ensure that any new policies on crime are shared with Parliament.
Lord Birt has been appointed as a part-time unpaid adviser. The duration of the appointment is yet to be determined. As an adviser to the Government he will be entitled to claim out-of-pocket expenses, to have appropriate use of Government office accommodation and to have access to relevant Government papers. He will not be entitled to use official Government transport.