§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the appointment of Peter Hosking to undertake a review of the work of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission was in accord with government guidelines requiring an impartial review of the commission's activity. [HL2254]
§ Lord Williams of MostynI refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on Thursday 10 January 2002(Official Report, col. WA 124). That Answer referred to an award of £25,000 being made subject to certain conditions. These conditions were attached solely to the grant of £25,000. It was open to the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to reject these and conduct the work in accordance with its own wishes and within its existing budget. Within that context, the appointment of Peter Hosking was a matter for commission.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Who prepared and authorised the terms of reference for the independent evaluation and review of staffing of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission; on what basis the list of groups to be contacted was developed and by whom; and whether there view team was encouraged to contact members of Parliament,
76WAPeers and Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly who have expressed an interest in human rights in Northern Ireland; and [FL2255]
Which groups and indviduals Peter Hosking consulted in recent evaluation of the work of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. [HL2287]
§ Lord Williams of MostynI refer the noble Lord to the Answer given on Thursday 10 January(Official Report, col. WA 124) and the letter of 3 January 2002 from the Chief Commissioner, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.