HL Deb 17 May 2000 vol 613 cc24-5WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, given the right to an independent tribunal under Article 6(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights, they share the concern expressed by the Employment Appeal Tribunal on 11 October 1999 (in Smith v. Secretary of State for Trade and Industry); as to whether employment tribunals may properly and lawfully adjudicate on claims made against the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry) and, if so, what steps they intend to take to remedy the situation. [HL2289]

The Minister for Science, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)

The Government believe that employment tribunals may properly and lawfully adjudicate in such cases. Nevertheless, following the Lord Chancellor's review of the terms of service of part-time judicial office holders, we are reviewing the employment tribunal system and expect to make some changes to the terms and conditions of lay members.