HL Deb 19 December 2001 vol 630 cc69-70WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy seal on 26 November (WA 18) about the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, what they understand by consultation conducted by a public body; and whether "education and awareness-raising" are normal practices for public bodies consulting the public. [HL1998]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The way the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission carries out any consultation is a matter for the commission itself.

Section 69(6) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 places a specific duty on that commission to promote understanding and awareness of the importance of human rights in Northern Ireland; and for this purpose it may, among other things, undertake educational activities.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer [HL1765 by the Lord Privy Seal on 11 December (WA 199–200), whether the commission represents the entire community in Northern Ireland. [HL2037]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

In terms of its scope and purpose, the commission's remit extends to the entire community in Northern Ireland. In terms of its membership, the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland "as far as practicable [to] secure that the Commissioners, as a group, are representative of the community in Northern Ireland". The Government remain satisfied that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has fulfilled that statutory requirement.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 11 December (WA 198–199) which indicated that five of the commissioners appointed to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission are appointed for three years and three are appointed for two years, whether they will indicate which commissioners fall into each appointment period, and why. [HL2038]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Of the commissioners who sought reappointment to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, those appointed for three years were Professor Brice Dickson, Mrs Margaret-Ann Dinsmore, Mr Tom Donnelly, Professor Tom Hadden and Ms Paddy Kelly. Those appointed for two years were the Reverend Harold Good, Ms Inez McCormack and Mr Frank McGuinness. A decision on the position of Professor Christine Bell has, at her own request, been deferred until the new year.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland decided to vary the length of the various appointments to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to stagger the times at which the commissioners would need to be replaced or reappointed in future. He wanted to ensure both an element of continuity within the commission and a regular turnover in membership.