§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What are the criteria used by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission in deciding whether to investigate a case; and whether the Commission will investigate the murder of Billy Wright in the Maze Prison in December 1998. [HL4418]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonSection 69(8) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 provides the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission with the power to conduct "such investigations as it considers necessary or expedient", for the purpose of exercising its60WA functions. The commission's programme of investigations is therefore a matter for the commission itself. I have asked the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to write to the noble Lord. A copy of his letter will be placed in the Library.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
How the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission intends to fulfil its commitment, as stated in its Strategic Plan 2000–02, "to be completely independent from any outside influence" such as "a non-governmental human rights organisation", when six out of 10 of the commission's members are also members of the Committee for the Administration of Justice. [HL4485]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonHow the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission intends to fulfil its commitments is a matter for the commission, which is an independent body. I have therefore asked the Chief Commissioner to reply to you direct. A copy will be placed in the Library of the House.